NSWFB reiterates no tolerance for workplace misconduct
14 February 2010
Following a newspaper report today detailing allegations of serious workplace misconduct in
the 1970s and 1980s at some Sydney fire stations, the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB)
reiterated its position that all forms of bullying, harassment and inappropriate workplace
conduct are unacceptable, will not be tolerated, and any allegations, regardless of how far
back they date, will be taken very seriously by the organisation.
While behaviours like those reported are believed to have been eliminated years ago, the
NSWFB has already taken strong action in recent months to reinforce measures aimed at
preventing and detecting all forms of misconduct, and maintaining a safe and healthy
workplace for all employees.
The measures include provision of a new, strengthened Code of Conduct to every employee,
engagement of external experts to carry out a comprehensive review of workplace conduct
and governance and recommend improvements, appointment of an advisory panel with
external experts to oversee improvements, implementation of an independent, external
complaints handling system, and the roll out of new workplace conduct training statewide in
2010.
All NSWFB employees have been continually encouraged to report any incidents of bullying,
harassment or misconduct in the workplace either to their supervisors, directly to the NSW
Police, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, or directly to the Commissioner, so
that they can be dealt with appropriately.
NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said "The 7000 men and women who make up the
NSWFB are dedicated, courageous professionals. In today’s Fire Brigade such behaviours are
not tolerated and I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure nothing like that
could ever happen again."
Media contact: Kate Dennis 0409 914 708
NEWS 
