Bullying, fear, sexual harassment – Damning report reveals toxic work culture at Hobsons Bay Council

A new report on the work culture at a western suburbs council has lifted the lid on cases of micromanagement, bullying and sexual harassment, with the mayor slamming the “unacceptable” behaviour.

A new report lifts the lid on the toxic culture at Hobsons Bay Council. Picture: Luke Jones

A toxic work culture where micromanagement, bullying, sexual harassment and other poor behaviour was allowed to flourish has been revealed in a damning review by Hobsons Bay Council.

The Altona-based council has published an unprecedented report, called the Listening and Support process, in response to workplace problems that prompted a WorkSafe investigation.

The council said the feedback from 138 employees showed that it had failed to provide staff with a safe, respectful workplace.

“Based on the shared stories, the identified failures appear to have occurred at all levels of leadership within the administration,’’ the report said.

Daria Kellander, who was elected mayor last October, endorsed the report which went back several years.

“It highlights significant concerns about behaviour that are, quite simply, unacceptable in any organisation.

“I know that staff want to see real change, and we are committed to the ongoing change and healing process that is in place.”

Hobsons Bay Council offices on Civic Pde, Altona.

“The experienced culture of the recent past has been best described as ‘toxic’.’’

Most participants characterised their experience of the work culture as one of “distrust,

fear, bullying and systemic dysfunction’’.

The environment hampered productivity, collaboration, and employee wellbeing, the report said.

“Examples cited that are attributed to a toxic culture include micromanagement, bullying, sexual harassment, gossiping, and favouritism.’’

Six reports of direct sexual harassment as well as additional reports from bystanders were declared.

Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander supports workplace culture change.

“The types of harassment included sexualised comments, repeated requests for dates, ignoring professional advice from qualified women and female employees being repeatedly

offered meetings over a ‘drink’.’’

Staff felt unable to speak out as those who had had been victimised.

“Participants described seeing multiple employees exited, sidelined or left out of key projects and gaslighted.’’

Some casual employees also reported losing shifts when they spoke up.

The report was ordered by interim chief executive Kerry Thompson who took over from Aaron van Egmond, who resigned in April after being suspended in January when councillors became aware of “concerns about safety in the workplace and the CEO’s fulfilment of his duties more broadly’’.

Hobsons Bay Council former corporate services director Andrew McLeod (left) and ex-CEO Aaron van Egmond.

Mr van Egmond was contacted for comment.

Director of Corporate Services Andrew McLeod also resigned at the same time as his boss.

A state government-appointed monitor is currently overseeing the operation and management at the council

Respondents to the Listening and Support report said that conditions had improved in recent months.

“Participants expressed confidence that under the interim CEO’s leadership they were seeing

change.’’

Originally published as Bullying, fear, sexual harassment – Damning report reveals toxic work culture at Hobsons Bay Council