Integrity Commissioner rejects ‘mediation’ over alleged ‘b*tch’ comment

The Opposition has labelled the Premier’s response to an alleged b*tch slur as “ill-informed” and “inexperienced when it comes to workplace bullying and harassment”.

The Opposition has demanded Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk apologise for her response to allegations Public Service Commission boss Robert Setter called Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov a “bitch on a witch hunt”.

Opposition domestic violence prevention spokeswoman Amanda Camm told the Parliament Ms Palaszczuk’s response to the issue had been “ill-informed” and “inexperienced when it comes to workplace bullying and harassment”.

“I also wanted to highlight Robert Setter, the chief executive of the Queensland Public Service Commission’s comments, that he was surprised that the Integrity Commissioner used parliamentary privilege,” she said

“Well perhaps there is a reason the Integrity Commissioner used parliamentary privilege.

“And those females across the state know what it means to be able to speak up against a bully, against a workplace bully, against someone who may be superior, someone who may be protected, and in fact, to educate the Premier and the ministers opposite and the government as a whole, it’s called victim blaming.

Integrity Commissioner Dr Nikola Stepanov. Picture: Liam Kidston

“What Robert Setter did, as one of the most senior public officials in this state, was victim blame one of the most credible, professional, female public servants we have seen in this state.

“And for that, we are demanding the Premier redraw her comments, that the Premier apologise for her comments and that, in fact, that she also instruct Robert Setter, similarly, to apologise to the Integrity Commissioner.”

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said Ms Palaszczuk’s comments that the pair “get in a room” was an “absolute disgrace”.

“We are calling on the Premier to immediately retract her statement and encourage victims of misogynistic workplace bullying to follow the correct protocol to ensure all women can feel safe and supported in the workplace,” he said.

Earlier it was revealed Dr Stepanov had rejected Ms Palaszczuk’s calls for her and Mr Setter to sit down to mediation, saying it is “not appropriate”.

Ms Palaszczuk told parliament several times her director-general was “happy” to arrange a mediator to help Dr Stepanov and Mr Setter work out their differences “and that is exactly what we are doing”.

“I’ve said my director-general is more than happy to provide a mediator,” she said.

“Yesterday I said there could be a mediator provided as well.”

The offer came after Dr Stepanov told a parliamentary committee that Mr Setter had called her a “bitch on a witch hunt” during a phone call in 2018, which Mr Setter has categorically denied.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Asked whether she had agreed to mediation, Dr Stepanov said she was not aware of Ms Palaszczuk’s comments to parliament, but that a previous mediation request by her had not worked out.

“I had requested mediation with Mr Setter via Mr Dave Stewart, the former Director-General DPC last year by email on Monday 8 March 2021,” she told The Courier-Mail.

“I was rebuffed by Mr Setter that day.

“I confirm that my request was made via email, and Mr Setter’s response was received by email.

“The current Director-General, Ms Rachel Hunter, was aware of my request for mediation shortly after the time it was made and was also aware of Mr Setter’s response.

“I have had no further contact regarding mediation.

“I note that there are ongoing CCC investigations into matters relating to the PSC and my office.

“Those matters would have formed part of a mediation had the mediation occurred at that time (March 2021).

“In my view, it is not appropriate for there now to be mediation about matters which are material to active investigations.”

Public Service Commissioner Robert Setter denies making the comment. Picture: Liam Kidston

But Mr Setter has welcomed the opportunity to take part in mediation with Dr Stepanov.

The PSC chief executive said he strongly believed workplace mediation could be an effective tool to resolve complex issues.

“With the Integrity Commissioner’s agreement, I am happy to release emails between us on this matter (7 to 9 March 2021),” he told The Courier-Mail, following comments by Dr Stepanov.

“At no point did I ‘rebuff’ the Integrity Commissioner, as Dr Stephanov has indicated to media, and at no point have I rejected an approach by the Queensland Integrity Commissioner for mediation.

“I have previously agreed to mediation with the Integrity Commissioner in relation to governance issues. I remain committed to mediation on those issues.

“I understand from the Premier’s statement today that the Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet is happy to organise an independent mediator to look into the issues raised yesterday, and I welcome the opportunity to do so.”

Ms Palaszczuk on Monday referred to the extraordinary public spat between the senior government officials as a “he said, she said”, saying she supports both but that they should “sit in a room” and sort out their differences.

The Opposition asked a string of questions about the appropriateness of her response in Tuesday’s question time.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli earlier said the suggestion of mediation displayed a lack of judgment.

The CCC is probing a complaint that the PSC ordered a highly-sensitive laptop be taken from the Integrity Commissioner’s office in March last year and then wiped it. Dr Stepanov had previously requested a forensic probe of the laptop, which the PSC rejected.