The union representing local government employees has criticised Horsham Rural City Council for prioritising damage control over investigating staff complaints of workplace bullying.
The Australian Services Union (ASU) has also rejected the investigator the council has put forward, claiming the investigator they requested would not lead to a fair and transparent process.
The executive president of the union's Victorian and Tasmania branch, Billy King, said the union had been contacted by members and non-members who complained of a toxic workplace environment.
"We've had people report to us that they've had to seek medical attention including hospitalisation over a number of years and council has been doing nothing about it," he said.
Mr King said he also wrote to the council outlining the allegations and requested a meeting and for an agreed independent investigation into the complaints.
In response to the request, the council proposed a WA-based investigator to examine the claims but Mr King rejected their choice because he said it would not lead to a fair and transparent process.
He said the council had engaged their lawyers who have recommended a lawyer-investigator based in Perth.
Mr King said he had a list of investigators that he was willing to recommend, including former Fair Work Commissioners and people experienced in running investigations through the Equal Opportunity Commission.
He said the council's efforts at damage control had made it even more difficult for staff to come forward as they feared retribution.
'Not even a phone call'
Mr King said the council claimed the union was running the campaign through the media in an email to council staff, which was not true as he had attempted to contact the council multiple times to engage in a discussion.
Mr King said he had only received written responses.
"Not even a phone call from council in relation to that, so we're fairly disappointed," he said.
He said the ASU was prepared to take the investigation higher to Work Safe, the Fair Work Commission, or the Minister for Local Government.
In a statement, Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline said the safety and wellbeing of staff was paramount and the council was committed to providing a workplace that valued respect, integrity, and accountability.
She said the allegations were serious and needed specific details to carry out an independent investigation, rather than claims made by the media.
