WorkSafe is in the final stages of a long-running investigation into the City of Nedlands over alleged staff misconduct, coinciding with a tumultuous week when the entire “dysfunctional” council was sacked.
WA Today and 9News Perth can reveal more than 70 staff have quit in the last 18 months, prompting the workplace watchdog to scrutinise the besieged council for claims of inappropriate workplace behaviour.
One recently departed staff member, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity, said some of the claims related to bullying and harassment in the office.
A WorkSafe spokesperson could only confirm the investigation was open, saying it was launched after the “inspector [was] completing compliance checks relating to safe systems of work”.
Its inquiries have been under way since at least January, and 9News Perth reported on Wednesday the investigation would be completed within weeks.
The City of Nedlands was contacted for comment but did not respond.
It comes as sacked Mayor Fiona Argyle defiantly took to social media, a day after a baffling tirade where she claimed everyone loved dying children.
“All the cool girls get fired”, Argyle posted to Instagram from her overseas location, in a reference to a self-help book.
The mayor was one of five councillors sacked by the state government, after another four resigned on the same day.
A council meeting to be held Tuesday night was rescheduled, while one planned for next week is expected to be cancelled. Three commissioners will soon be installed to take over the council until elections in October.
Argyle said she would consider running again for council, despite the turmoil surrounding her mayorship.
Premier Roger Cook said on Wednesday the dismissal was appropriate.
“The City of Nedlands has let its community down by essentially fostering a culture of dysfunction within its council,” he said.
“We have shown we are ready and willing and able to intervene in local governments when they let their communities down.”
The controversy around the council was largely sparked by its opposition to a children’s hospice development.
Source: WA Today
