Northern NSW rescue helicopter review finds harassment response inadequate
The service has committed to all 31 recommendations after an independent review found workplace problems but no effect on patient safety.
An independent review of the Northern NSW rescue helicopter service has found its handling of substantiated bullying and sexual harassment allegations inadequate, while concluding that workplace culture problems had not affected patient safety.
The review identified isolated areas of hostility in the workplace rather than a pervasive or systemic toxic culture. It assessed physical and operational safety positively, but found evidence that bullying and harassment had occurred during the past five years.
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service commissioned law firm Mallesons to investigate following allegations about its workplace culture. The inquiry considered 220 documents, an anonymous voluntary staff survey, about 100 interviews and visits to four locations.
Among 116 survey respondents, 12 per cent said they had experienced or witnessed sex discrimination during the past five years. For bullying, the figure was 28 per cent. Interviewees also alleged sexist jokes and conduct contributing to hostility towards women.
The review found the service's response to proven allegations conflicted with its stated policy of zero tolerance. Board chair John Fenwick apologised to current and former employees who had experienced bullying or harassment, acknowledging serious failures.
The service has agreed to implement all 31 recommendations. These include refresher training, annual education about sexual harassment and gender-based harm, and clearer expectations that harassment and bullying will not be tolerated.
NSW Ambulance manages the service's contract, which expires in 2027. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said NSW Health and NSW Ambulance would closely monitor implementation of the recommendations, with options for the contract under consideration.
