Corrections Commissioner admits 570 workers report sexual harassment, 1647 claim bullying

Claims of nepotism won’t stop NSW Corrective bosses from being the ones to oversee 550 sexual harassment reports as staff ask commissioner Peter Severin (pictured) for an independent review.

A report revealing hundreds of NSW correctional officers and staff have made allegations of sexual harassment in the past year has also uncovered a fear of nepotism in the workplace.

Allegations of “special treatment and favouritism” within the department won’t stop assistant commissions Kevin Corcoran, Dr Anne Marie Martin and Leon Taylor from being the ones to lead a tour of prisons across the state in an effort to address major issues in the ranks.

More than 500 officers have reported sexual harassment in correction facilities. Picture: Tim Hunter.

However, frustrated staff have questioned why an independent organisations wasn’t brought in to address issues, as fears the rank structure within Corrective Services NSW will “prevent victims of sexual harassment and abuse from speaking out”.

A message to staff earlier this month highlighted key “themes” of concern from a People Matter Employee Survey including claims of “jobs for the boys”, nepotism in promotion and favouritism.

However, the summary failed to include any reference of more than 550 corrective services staff who have reported incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace over the past year.

Last week, NewsLocal revealed Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin had admitted to the startling figure in a report to staff, telling them “we must do better”.

Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“Nine per cent or almost 570 staff indicated that they have experienced sexual harassment at work in the last twelve months,” the commissioner wrote.

The report, obtained by NewsLocal, detailed a further 1647 reported victims of bullying or 26 per cent of the corrections workforce.

“Recent events, involving serious allegations against some staff, demonstrates how poor behaviour can escalate when it is not called out and quickly addressed,” he said.

“Poor behaviours that go un-acknowledged, from the most serious misconduct to off-the-cuff comments laughed off as a joke, are unacceptable — they can make people feel violated, miserable, angry and unsafe and undermine the integrity of the work we do.”

It comes as NewsLocal revealed nine corrective services employees are currently before the courts for alleged sexual assault and rape incidents inside NSW prisons and out in the community.

A further three officers are currently suspended for claims of assault.

Sexual harassment and bullying complaints came from just 66 per cent of the corrections workforce as part of the department’s People Matter Employee Survey — conducted late last year.

The commissioner told staff the department rolled out a new Department of Communities and Justice Code of Ethical Conduct, bullying and harassment policy, and managing workplace issues procedure.

But a corrections source said the “click-through” online training modules provided “little reassurance of change”.

“This is a systematic issue that is being addressed by arbitrary online training that isn’t taken seriously,” the corrections staffer said.

A Professional Standards unit has been established for officers to report incidents of harassment and assault. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Mr Severin said a “newly established Professional Standards Branch Support Unit” would take calls and emails to report allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.

“I anticipate more matters may come to light and I encourage staff to report them,” he said.

“We are working with our People (HR) partners and the Professional Standards Branch to develop a comprehensive plan to support change and ensure our workplaces are positive places, free from bullying and harassment.”

Corrections Minister Anthony Roberts said he had only recently been briefed on the result of the workforce survey.

“I am deeply concerned with what has been revealed,” he said.

“I am advised that in response to the disturbing allegations raised in the survey, executive and senior directors from Corrective Services have been instructed, and have begun a tour of all custodial workplaces to meet with staff to discuss the issues raised.

Anthony Roberts Corrections Minister (C) speaking at the Budget Estimates held at the NSW Parliament in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

“The meetings will provide the opportunity for staff to speak freely and openly and raise their concerns with senior executives.”

Mr Roberts said the tour of facilities was expected to be completed by the end of June.

“I will seek the advice of the Commissioner and the Secretary of DCJ, as to what action plans and strategies will be developed to ensure our systems, processes and people foster positive, supportive and safe workplaces.”

Shadow corrections spokesman Chris Minns said the allegations raised in the response to the department were “extremely concerning and must be fully investigated by the police”.

“The minister must assure the public that every allegation of harassment in the workplace is taken seriously and fully investigated,” he said.

A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman said the wellbeing of staff was their top priority.

“We do not tolerate sexual harassment or bullying in our workplaces and are implementing a range of initiatives to ensure our staff feel safe and respected at work,” she said.

“This is why we’re developing a range of programs that build on our strengths and positively influence workplace behaviour.

1600 Corrections officers have reported bullying. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“We’re concerned by the feedback received in the anonymous People Matter Employee Survey and have initiated a range of actions in response. This includes the deployment of multi-disciplined management teams to meet with all prison staff.”

The spokeswoman said meetings will be an opportunity for staff to talk “frankly, openly and confidentially with senior management”. However, she failed to answer why an independent organisation wasn’t brought in to oversee the tour.

“Further initiatives and actions will be developed and implemented based on the feedback received,” the spokeswoman said.

“We encourage anyone with allegations of bullying or harassment to speak up and report their concerns, so that we can do something about it.”