WorkSafe Victoria has hit back at recent social media claims that its investigation into the alleged bullying of former Victorian Labor MP, Kaushaliya Vaghela was not thorough or independent.
The claims followed WorkSafe’s decision to drop an investigation, which commenced in February after Ms Vaghela (pictured) quit the party and went public with her allegations of bullying and intimidation.
In a statement, WorkSafe said one of its Senior Inspectors and a member of the WorkSafe support team contacted Ms Vaghela shortly after its investigation commenced.
“During one such contact, Ms Vaghela advised that she did not wish to provide a statement as everything would be included in information she would supply,” WorkSafe said.
“Ms Vaghela provided 118 pages of relevant information, including a comprehensive timeline of meeting dates, a record of bullying complaints and a transcript of her 9 March statement to the Victorian Parliament,” it said.
“Ms Vaghela did not respond to two later attempts by the Senior Investigator to contact her by telephone.”
WorkSafe said its investigation considered a number of individuals and entities, including the Premier of Victoria, some staff employed in the Premier’s private office, the Department of Premier and Cabinet and members of the public.
“WorkSafe used coercive powers to obtain information relevant to the investigation, which was then thoroughly reviewed to determine whether any duties under the OHS Act had been breached,” the Authority said.
“On the basis of the evidence, and taking into account WorkSafe’s General Prosecution Guidelines, WorkSafe will not take further action on this matter at this time.”
It said Ms Vaghela was still able to make a formal complaint on her own behalf.
“At no time prior to the commencement of WorkSafe’s investigation, nor at any time since providing materials, did Ms Vaghela make a formal complaint on her own behalf,” WorkSafe said.
“This avenue remains open to her.”
