Opposition MP Buswell questions Premier Carpenter about a workers' compensation claim involving an electorate officer of the Member for Bassendean, alleging workplace bullying. The Speaker redirects the question, stating they are the employer of electorate officers.

AnsweredQoN 261Legislative Assembly
Asked
12 June 2007
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

MEMBER FOR BASSENDEAN - ELECTORATE OFFICER
I refer the Premier to an agreement that was reached in December 2006 between the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and an electorate officer of the member for Bassendean as a result of a workers’ compensation claim. (1) Is the Premier aware that the electorate officer received a compensation settlement after the employee had allegedly been subjected to workplace bullying from the member, including yelling, threatening behaviour, work overload and workplace stress resulting in mood and anxiety disorders? (2) When did the Premier become aware of this claim and the agreement? (3) What action has the Premier taken against the member for Bassendean in relation to this issue? The SPEAKER : Before I give anyone the call, being the employer of all electorate officers, questions about electorate office staff and how they are treated should probably be directed to me, not the Premier. The Premier’s office handles staffing issues on my behalf, but I am the employer of all electorate office staff. The Premier may wish to say something. Mr A.J. CARPENTER

AnswerView source ↗

Other than what you have had to say, Mr Speaker, I am unaware of any of this information. As far as I can recall, this is the first time that allegations of this kind have been raised with me. I will leave it at that. The SPEAKER : I will give some guidance to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. If he puts that question on notice, I will get a report drawn up and give it to him.
(1) Is the Premier aware that the electorate officer received a compensation settlement after the employee had allegedly been subjected to workplace bullying from the member, including yelling, threatening behaviour, work overload and workplace stress resulting in mood and anxiety disorders? (2) When did the Premier become aware of this claim and the agreement? (3) What action has the Premier taken against the member for Bassendean in relation to this issue? The SPEAKER : Before I give anyone the call, being the employer of all electorate officers, questions about electorate office staff and how they are treated should probably be directed to me, not the Premier. The Premier’s office handles staffing issues on my behalf, but I am the employer of all electorate office staff. The Premier may wish to say something. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: Other than what you have had to say, Mr Speaker, I am unaware of any of this information. As far as I can recall, this is the first time that allegations of this kind have been raised with me. I will leave it at that. The SPEAKER : I will give some guidance to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. If he puts that question on notice, I will get a report drawn up and give it to him.
(2) When did the Premier become aware of this claim and the agreement? (3) What action has the Premier taken against the member for Bassendean in relation to this issue? The SPEAKER : Before I give anyone the call, being the employer of all electorate officers, questions about electorate office staff and how they are treated should probably be directed to me, not the Premier. The Premier’s office handles staffing issues on my behalf, but I am the employer of all electorate office staff. The Premier may wish to say something. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: Other than what you have had to say, Mr Speaker, I am unaware of any of this information. As far as I can recall, this is the first time that allegations of this kind have been raised with me. I will leave it at that. The SPEAKER : I will give some guidance to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. If he puts that question on notice, I will get a report drawn up and give it to him.
(3) What action has the Premier taken against the member for Bassendean in relation to this issue? The SPEAKER : Before I give anyone the call, being the employer of all electorate officers, questions about electorate office staff and how they are treated should probably be directed to me, not the Premier. The Premier’s office handles staffing issues on my behalf, but I am the employer of all electorate office staff. The Premier may wish to say something. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: Other than what you have had to say, Mr Speaker, I am unaware of any of this information. As far as I can recall, this is the first time that allegations of this kind have been raised with me. I will leave it at that. The SPEAKER : I will give some guidance to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. If he puts that question on notice, I will get a report drawn up and give it to him.
The SPEAKER : Before I give anyone the call, being the employer of all electorate officers, questions about electorate office staff and how they are treated should probably be directed to me, not the Premier. The Premier’s office handles staffing issues on my behalf, but I am the employer of all electorate office staff. The Premier may wish to say something. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: Other than what you have had to say, Mr Speaker, I am unaware of any of this information. As far as I can recall, this is the first time that allegations of this kind have been raised with me. I will leave it at that. The SPEAKER : I will give some guidance to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. If he puts that question on notice, I will get a report drawn up and give it to him.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: Other than what you have had to say, Mr Speaker, I am unaware of any of this information. As far as I can recall, this is the first time that allegations of this kind have been raised with me. I will leave it at that. The SPEAKER : I will give some guidance to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. If he puts that question on notice, I will get a report drawn up and give it to him.
Other than what you have had to say, Mr Speaker, I am unaware of any of this information. As far as I can recall, this is the first time that allegations of this kind have been raised with me. I will leave it at that. The SPEAKER : I will give some guidance to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. If he puts that question on notice, I will get a report drawn up and give it to him.
The SPEAKER : I will give some guidance to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. If he puts that question on notice, I will get a report drawn up and give it to him.

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