An independent review has found bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment, has occurred within the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service over the past five years, while also finding a strong record on physical and operational safety.
The service engaged law firm Mallesons in November last year to review safety and workplace culture, after allegations of a toxic workplace culture. An executive summary has now been released and provided to NSW Ambulance.
The review described an “overwhelmingly positive picture of physical and operational safety” and found patient safety had not been affected by workplace culture issues. However, it found there was enough data to indicate bullying and harassment had occurred, and concluded that elements of a hostile workplace environment persisted “in pockets” but were not pervasive.
The review also found the response to substantiated allegations was inadequate and contradicted the service’s zero tolerance policy.
The review made 31 recommendations, which the service has pledged to adopt.
NSW Ambulance manages the service’s contract, which is due to expire in 2027. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said NSW Health and NSW Ambulance would monitor the implementation of the recommendations very closely, with options relating to the contract under consideration.
