Shadow Minister’s Response to CSIRO Investigation

Posted on February 6, 2013. Filed under: Uncategorized |

The Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science has issued a response in relation to CSIRO’s announcement of an independent investigation into the bulling allegations of former employees. The shadow minister’s response outlines a number of areas of concern that are echoed by the Victims of CSIRO group but which will hopefully be resolved in the terms of reference for the investigation. The press release is provided below:

SOPHIE MIRABELLA MP
Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science
Federal Member for Indi

MEDIA RELEASE

CSIRO BULLY INQUIRY: DEVIL IN THE DETAIL

Wednesday, 6th February 2013

Shadow Science Minister Sophie Mirabella has today cautiously welcomed the CSIRO’s announcement that it will
now launch a detailed, independent inquiry into the workplace bullying crisis at the organisation.

CSIRO Chief, Megan Clark issued a statement late Tuesday announcing the appointment of an independent person to
review claims of bullying within the organisation.

Mrs Mirabella said that while she welcomes the announcement of an inquiry, the Coalition will be reserving final
judgement until after she receives a full briefing on Thursday.

Mrs Mirabella also flagged concerns about a potential conflict of interest, noting that the CEO will be both hand
picking the “independent” reviewer and co-authoring the terms of reference.

“This is a welcome development for those scientists who feel their grievances and allegations have not been taken
seriously,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“But it is absolutely crucial that the scientists can have full confidence that the review will be conducted at arm’s
length from CSIRO. The announcement is thin on detail and heavy on motherhood statements. I hope at the very
least that the yet to be released terms of reference are developed independently of the CSIRO. At this point, I am
not satisfied that is the case.

“It is also essential that all those scientists who come forward to give evidence on cases of bullying can do so in-
camera and that all steps are taken to ensure their identity and evidence is protected.

“The Coalition has been consistently raising this matter with the Government since early 2011, so the announcement
of this inquiry should be seen as vindication for all those people who have spoken up; not just about workplace
bullying, but also the lack of proper process within the organisation and inadequate resources to deal with issues of
this nature,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.