NSW Fire Brigades cooperating with investigations of serious allegations
Published: 21st July 2009
The NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) Acting Commissioner John Benson said the Fire Brigades is cooperating fully with investigations into allegations of workplace assault and harassment dating to the late 1980s."We are very concerned that there have been reports of assault and harassment," Acting Commissioner Benson said.
"These complaints are being taken extremely seriously, as evidenced by the NSWFB’s referral of the matter to the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the NSW Police Force for investigation.
"The NSWFB is taking all necessary action to deal with these allegations and has made it clear to all staff that we have zero tolerance for any form of bullying, harassment or assault in the workplace and that we will support any staff member who reports such misconduct, and their family.
"We are also doing all we can to ensure that anyone who comes forward to help us identify any misconduct has access to support and assistance.
"The NSWFB has a proud history and culture of service to the community and we value the trust the community places in us.
"We are now doing everything necessary to ensure these allegations are fully investigated and resolved.
"It is not appropriate to make further public comment on the detail of the allegations as we do not want to compromise investigations under way," Acting Commissioner Benson said.
NSW Fire Brigades Commissioner Greg Mullins will be returning later this week from speaking engagements in the UK and USA in relation to fire and disaster management and terrorism response.