Arabic version: مراجعة تكشف إخفاقات في التعامل مع المخالفات بخدمة إنقاذ المروحيات في نيو ساوث ويلز

According to ABC News, an independent workplace culture review gave the Northern New South Wales Helicopter Rescue Service a “pass mark” while finding its response to substantiated bullying and sexual-harassment allegations was inadequate.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service commissioned law firm Mallesons in November last year to review safety and workplace culture after allegations of a toxic workplace. The review considered 220 documents, an anonymous voluntary staff survey, about 100 interviews with current and former workers and stakeholders, and visits to the service’s four locations.

The review found an overwhelmingly positive picture of physical and operational safety, and said patient safety had not been affected by workplace culture issues. However, it found sufficient data showing bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment, had occurred during the past five years. It said elements of a hostile environment remained “in pockets”, rather than being pervasive or systemic.

Among 116 survey respondents, 12 per cent said they had witnessed or experienced sex discrimination over five years, while 28 per cent reported witnessing or experiencing bullying. The report cited allegations of sexist and misogynistic jokes, unequal treatment of female employees at fundraising events, and guest-speaker material containing racist, sexist and sexualised jokes.

The review made 31 recommendations, all of which the service has agreed to implement. They include refresher and annual training on sexual harassment and gender-based harms, and a reset of expectations over conduct that could be seen as condoned. Board chair John Fenwick apologised to current and former employees who experienced bullying or harassment. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said NSW Ambulance would closely monitor implementation as options for the service’s contract, due to expire in 2027, were considered.