Statement regarding concerns about MP bullying investigation

WorkSafe commenced an investigation in February, following a request to do so pursuant to section 131 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Shortly afterwards, Ms Vaghela was contacted by both a WorkSafe Senior Inspector and a member of the WorkSafe support team.

During one such contact, Ms Vaghela advised that she did not wish to provide a statement as everything would be included in information she would supply.

Ms Vaghela provided 118 pages of relevant information, including a comprehensive timeline of meeting dates, a record of bullying complaints and a transcript of her 9 March statement to the Victorian Parliament.

Ms Vaghela did not respond to two later attempts by the Senior Investigator to contact her by telephone.

Prior to making the investigation outcome public, WorkSafe attempted to make contact with Ms Vaghela by telephone to inform her of the outcome, and emailed her when a text message and call were not returned.

At no time prior to the commencement of WorkSafe's investigation, nor at any time since providing materials, did Ms Vaghela make a formal complaint on her own behalf. This avenue remains open to her.

WorkSafe, its investigators and inspectors remain committed to fulfilling their statutory duties in upholding Victoria's workplace health and safety laws.