Western Power will be the subject of an independent third-party review to examine workplace culture and safety across its business, one of the largest Government Trading Entities in Western Australia.
- Third-party review recommended by Western Power board and CEO
- Culture review to be led by Kate Jenkins and Natasha de Silva at Intersection
- Review to commence in September with findings to be made public early next year
- Part of the Cook Labor Government's efforts to support safer, inclusive communities
Recently appointed CEO Gair Landsborough recommended the review, with Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson and the Western Power Board deciding to proceed immediately.
In the wake of recent media attention, current and former Western Power employees have come forward raising concerns about systemic safety and culture issues over an extended period of time.
With the ongoing investigation by MinterEllison focused on character evidence from individual employees, Mr Landsborough determined that concerns raised by staff deserved a broader investigation run by independent and suitably qualified professionals.
Ms Jenkins, a former Sex Discrimination Commissioner who led the 2021 Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces, will co-lead the review alongside Natasha de Silva, founder and principal at specialist workplace culture firm Intersection.
The review will include an extensive information gathering process with the organisation's more than 3,000 employees engaged for voluntary and confidential feedback through interviews, surveys and focus group sessions. Close consideration will be given to regional staff, who will be given the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the process.
Intersection will independently investigate complaints of inappropriate workplace behaviour concurrently with the review, with disclosures managed in line with trauma-informed practice. It will also quality assure Western Power's internal complaints and investigation processes.
The review is expected to begin in September and run for approximately six months, with its findings to be made public early next year.