Bronwyn Hendry: WorkSafe discontinues first ever psychological harm prosecution against Department of Justice

WA’s workplace safety watchdog has dropped a prosecution of Bunbury Regional Prison over a female guard’s allegation she suffered shocking sexualised bullying. WorkSafe brought the action against the South West prison in October, alleging it failed to provide and maintain a safe work environment, causing psychological injury to ex-staffer Bronwyn Hendry. It was the first time WorkSafe took prosecution action under psychosocial welfare provisions contained in its new act, but has now been discontinued. “The decision not to proceed was made on the basis of fresh evidence obtained in the course of the proceedings,” WorkSafe said in a statement on Tuesday. “WorkSafe understands the Department of Justice has improved its management of psychosocial hazards in recent years. “WorkSafe will continue to monitor the department’s compliance with work health and safety laws.” Ms Hendry said her complaint was one of several by former Bunbury prison staff and it was deeply disappointing she had not received any explanation as to why the prosecution had been dropped. “What a ridiculous waste of taxpayers’ money. It’s just disgusting,” she told The West Australian. Ms Hendry is persevering with a civil claim against her former employer in the Federal Court, with her next hearing scheduled for October 9 The mother-of-six says many former colleagues have already or are poised to lodge Australian Human Rights Commission complaints against the jail. “They will have more girls on their hands other than me,” she said.