Former WorkSafe ACT employee Leith Dawes has alleged he was sacked after complaining about the regulator's own workplace culture.
In documents lodged with the court, Mr Dawes claimed he was "subjected to direct and intentional workplace bullying and harassment by several employees" at WorkSafe ACT from the time he commenced employment as a regulatory inspector in late March 2023. This was after a second probationary report concluded he had an "satisfactory" relationship with colleagues, among other claims, which Mr Dawes has rejected.
Upon his return, Mr Dawes was asked to attend a probation review meeting, in which he received the report recommending the termination of his employment. "None of the behaviours alleged, … taken separately or in combination, amount to the applicant having been bullied at work," it said.