WorkSafe WA takes legal action against Department of Justice over allegations of bullying in Bunbury Regional Prison

A former female prison officer who was allegedly sexually harassed and bullied has prompted the workplace regulator to take action against her ex-employer.

The Western Australian workplace regulator is taking legal action against the state’s Department of Justice after a female prison officer was allegedly bullied and sexually harassed while working at the Bunbury Regional Prison.

WorkSafe has commenced prosecution action against the Department of Justice for allegedly failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment and, through that alleged failure, causing serious harm to a worker.

“It is alleged that a failure by the department to have procedures in place to deal with inappropriate workplace behaviours caused harm to an employee, a female prison officer,” the regulator stated.

“The alleged inappropriate behaviours included bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment) and victimisation.”

The former female prison officer was allegedly harassed while working at Bunbury Regional Prison. Picture: WA Government

“As the case is now before the courts, WorkSafe will not be providing any further comment.”

If the offence is proven, the Department of Justice could face a fine of the maximum penalty of $3.5m.

The matter will be mentioned at Bunbury Magistrates Court on November 7.

The announcement marks the first time WorkSafe has taken prosecution action over psychosocial issues under the current legislation.

Bunbury Regional Prison is a male prison in WA’s south west.

Originally published as WorkSafe WA takes legal action against Department of Justice over allegations of bullying in Bunbury Regional Prison