Latest news with #SafeWorkNSW
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Jews not allowed': SafeWork savages Sydney University over antisemitism on campus
It said antisemitic activism on campus consisted of student activist groups. In one example, which occurred during the orientation week for new students, it said a stand run by the Australian Union of Jewish Students was approached by three women who aggressively ripped the Israeli flag off the stall desk, in front of four Jewish volunteers, causing items to fall off the table. 'They put the flag in the nearby rubbish bin, took a photo of it and then left,' the report said. It noted that inside a passageway known as the graffiti tunnel, there were Israeli flags with a red circle and line across the middle with words, 'zio punks', 'Gaza will be free'. There were 'Nazi Germany' swastika stickers painted on walls of the tunnel as well graffiti stating 'Israel has no right to exist'. Other examples included Palestinian activists using a megaphone chanting 'there is only one solution, intifada revolution' – interpreted by Jewish workers and students as a reference to Nazi Germany. Loading Noticeboards around campus promoted the organising of a 'student intifada'. There were also posters which said: 'Between us and them are mountains of paradise, hatred, blood, wailing and long-lasting revenge'. Southern Cross University associate professor Andy Smidt, who left Sydney University in February 2024, made the original complaint and said she felt vindicated by its findings. She is still an adjunct associate professor at Sydney. 'The idea that we are seen, we are heard. It was absolutely vindicating,' she said. 'There's a perception that the Jews on campus were whingeing … Someone external to the university could see clearly that the atmosphere was toxic.' SafeWork NSW did not respond to questions about why a full investigation was not carried out. Sydney University's senior deputy vice-chancellor and provost Annamarie Jagose said throughout the significant challenges of last year, the institution 'took a strong stance against antisemitism and decisive action to stand firmly against hate in all forms'. 'We've implemented new measures and complaints related to antisemitism have declined substantially over the last 12 months – but we know even a single complaint is one too many,' she said. 'We've co-operated fully with SafeWork NSW's inquiries and appreciate the care they've taken in examining this matter, as well as the consideration they've given to activities on campus since October 7, 2023 and how we've managed resulting events and risks.'
The Age
4 days ago
- General
- The Age
‘Jews not allowed': SafeWork savages Sydney University over antisemitism on campus
It said antisemitic activism on campus consisted of student activist groups. In one example, which occurred during the orientation week for new students, it said a stand run by the Australian Union of Jewish Students was approached by three women who aggressively ripped the Israeli flag off the stall desk, in front of four Jewish volunteers, causing items to fall off the table. 'They put the flag in the nearby rubbish bin, took a photo of it and then left,' the report said. It noted that inside a passageway known as the graffiti tunnel, there were Israeli flags with a red circle and line across the middle with words, 'zio punks', 'Gaza will be free'. There were 'Nazi Germany' swastika stickers painted on walls of the tunnel as well graffiti stating 'Israel has no right to exist'. Other examples included Palestinian activists using a megaphone chanting 'there is only one solution, intifada revolution' – interpreted by Jewish workers and students as a reference to Nazi Germany. Loading Noticeboards around campus promoted the organising of a 'student intifada'. There were also posters which said: 'Between us and them are mountains of paradise, hatred, blood, wailing and long-lasting revenge'. Southern Cross University associate professor Andy Smidt, who left Sydney University in February 2024, made the original complaint and said she felt vindicated by its findings. She is still an adjunct associate professor at Sydney. 'The idea that we are seen, we are heard. It was absolutely vindicating,' she said. 'There's a perception that the Jews on campus were whingeing … Someone external to the university could see clearly that the atmosphere was toxic.' SafeWork NSW did not respond to questions about why a full investigation was not carried out. Sydney University's senior deputy vice-chancellor and provost Annamarie Jagose said throughout the significant challenges of last year, the institution 'took a strong stance against antisemitism and decisive action to stand firmly against hate in all forms'. 'We've implemented new measures and complaints related to antisemitism have declined substantially over the last 12 months – but we know even a single complaint is one too many,' she said. 'We've co-operated fully with SafeWork NSW's inquiries and appreciate the care they've taken in examining this matter, as well as the consideration they've given to activities on campus since October 7, 2023 and how we've managed resulting events and risks.'
AU Financial Review
4 days ago
- General
- AU Financial Review
Antisemitism probe finds ‘workplace of fear' at Sydney Uni
A preliminary report by SafeWork NSW into antisemitism at Sydney University found it took inadequate actions to protect Jewish staff and students in the 11 months following the Hamas attack on Israel, and suggested a full investigation would uncover 'contraventions of law'. But the recommendation to launch a full investigation was rejected by SafeWork NSW's decision-making panel. No reasons were given for the decision.
The Advertiser
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Hospital cancels chemo treatment due to leaks SafeWork inspection failed to flag
The Calvary Mater was forced to cancel chemotherapy treatments this week due to internal flooding caused by severe leaks, which a SafeWork NSW inspection last month seemingly missed. The leaks have been a persistent problem for years and in the past four months have become so bad that leaking windows are being patched up with plastic garbage bags and drained into bins. During the heavy rain on Monday, the hospital had to cancel day treatments, including chemotherapy and other infusions, due to patient safety. One of the recovery ward bays is permanently closed due to the leaks, while the electrical panels near another must be regularly turned off. Staff have labelled the tearoom "the Mater waterfall", due to the four plastic bags hanging from walls to funnel water into buckets. But when SafeWork inspected the site on April 11, no concerns were raised regarding the leaks, the garbage bag patching or the dangerous aspergillus mould outbreak in the hospital's air-conditioning system. The watchdog was called to inspect the hospital regarding potential electrical issues. SafeWork says no concerns were raised during the inspection regarding mould and refused to answer any questions regarding other issues, including the leaks and electrical work. "SafeWork NSW enquiries are ongoing. No further comment can be made at this time," a spokesperson said. Following the Newcastle Herald's inquiries last week, SafeWork inspected the hospital's leaks on Monday. NSW Nurses and Midwives (NSWNMA) Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said the situation was "appalling" and "a constant battle". "This is getting worse and worse, yet they continue to make us work in this dangerous environment," Ms Smith said. "You walk in thinking what's today going to look like, if it's safe to come to work and if your patients. That's the stuff on your mind every day." Despite the recent inspection, Ms Smith "didn't leave the meeting [with SafeWork] thinking things were going to change". "I'm sick of hearing there's no budget to fix this. That's not a reasonable answer," she said. It's not the first time the NSWNMA has raised concerns about SafeWork. Last year, the union slammed the effectiveness of the inspections in Auditor-General's review of the organisation. "The Association is observing inspectors attend health premises where there are clear breaches of the WHS legislation without issuing an Improvement or Prohibition Notice," the submission stated. In the past 12 months, SafeWork has received four complaints about the Mater, along with notification of two incidents. Inspectors have also previously visited the site in relation to a complaint about overcrowding in the emergency department. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, who ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), who provides in-patient and clinical services at the Mater, reiterated Novcare was responsible for the hospital's maintenance. "We remain focused on protecting the health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors, and are working closely with both Novacare and Calvary Mater Newcastle to address the current facility management issues and ensure all required standards are met," a HNEH spokesperson said. The Calvary Mater was forced to cancel chemotherapy treatments this week due to internal flooding caused by severe leaks, which a SafeWork NSW inspection last month seemingly missed. The leaks have been a persistent problem for years and in the past four months have become so bad that leaking windows are being patched up with plastic garbage bags and drained into bins. During the heavy rain on Monday, the hospital had to cancel day treatments, including chemotherapy and other infusions, due to patient safety. One of the recovery ward bays is permanently closed due to the leaks, while the electrical panels near another must be regularly turned off. Staff have labelled the tearoom "the Mater waterfall", due to the four plastic bags hanging from walls to funnel water into buckets. But when SafeWork inspected the site on April 11, no concerns were raised regarding the leaks, the garbage bag patching or the dangerous aspergillus mould outbreak in the hospital's air-conditioning system. The watchdog was called to inspect the hospital regarding potential electrical issues. SafeWork says no concerns were raised during the inspection regarding mould and refused to answer any questions regarding other issues, including the leaks and electrical work. "SafeWork NSW enquiries are ongoing. No further comment can be made at this time," a spokesperson said. Following the Newcastle Herald's inquiries last week, SafeWork inspected the hospital's leaks on Monday. NSW Nurses and Midwives (NSWNMA) Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said the situation was "appalling" and "a constant battle". "This is getting worse and worse, yet they continue to make us work in this dangerous environment," Ms Smith said. "You walk in thinking what's today going to look like, if it's safe to come to work and if your patients. That's the stuff on your mind every day." Despite the recent inspection, Ms Smith "didn't leave the meeting [with SafeWork] thinking things were going to change". "I'm sick of hearing there's no budget to fix this. That's not a reasonable answer," she said. It's not the first time the NSWNMA has raised concerns about SafeWork. Last year, the union slammed the effectiveness of the inspections in Auditor-General's review of the organisation. "The Association is observing inspectors attend health premises where there are clear breaches of the WHS legislation without issuing an Improvement or Prohibition Notice," the submission stated. In the past 12 months, SafeWork has received four complaints about the Mater, along with notification of two incidents. Inspectors have also previously visited the site in relation to a complaint about overcrowding in the emergency department. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, who ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), who provides in-patient and clinical services at the Mater, reiterated Novcare was responsible for the hospital's maintenance. "We remain focused on protecting the health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors, and are working closely with both Novacare and Calvary Mater Newcastle to address the current facility management issues and ensure all required standards are met," a HNEH spokesperson said. The Calvary Mater was forced to cancel chemotherapy treatments this week due to internal flooding caused by severe leaks, which a SafeWork NSW inspection last month seemingly missed. The leaks have been a persistent problem for years and in the past four months have become so bad that leaking windows are being patched up with plastic garbage bags and drained into bins. During the heavy rain on Monday, the hospital had to cancel day treatments, including chemotherapy and other infusions, due to patient safety. One of the recovery ward bays is permanently closed due to the leaks, while the electrical panels near another must be regularly turned off. Staff have labelled the tearoom "the Mater waterfall", due to the four plastic bags hanging from walls to funnel water into buckets. But when SafeWork inspected the site on April 11, no concerns were raised regarding the leaks, the garbage bag patching or the dangerous aspergillus mould outbreak in the hospital's air-conditioning system. The watchdog was called to inspect the hospital regarding potential electrical issues. SafeWork says no concerns were raised during the inspection regarding mould and refused to answer any questions regarding other issues, including the leaks and electrical work. "SafeWork NSW enquiries are ongoing. No further comment can be made at this time," a spokesperson said. Following the Newcastle Herald's inquiries last week, SafeWork inspected the hospital's leaks on Monday. NSW Nurses and Midwives (NSWNMA) Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said the situation was "appalling" and "a constant battle". "This is getting worse and worse, yet they continue to make us work in this dangerous environment," Ms Smith said. "You walk in thinking what's today going to look like, if it's safe to come to work and if your patients. That's the stuff on your mind every day." Despite the recent inspection, Ms Smith "didn't leave the meeting [with SafeWork] thinking things were going to change". "I'm sick of hearing there's no budget to fix this. That's not a reasonable answer," she said. It's not the first time the NSWNMA has raised concerns about SafeWork. Last year, the union slammed the effectiveness of the inspections in Auditor-General's review of the organisation. "The Association is observing inspectors attend health premises where there are clear breaches of the WHS legislation without issuing an Improvement or Prohibition Notice," the submission stated. In the past 12 months, SafeWork has received four complaints about the Mater, along with notification of two incidents. Inspectors have also previously visited the site in relation to a complaint about overcrowding in the emergency department. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, who ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), who provides in-patient and clinical services at the Mater, reiterated Novcare was responsible for the hospital's maintenance. "We remain focused on protecting the health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors, and are working closely with both Novacare and Calvary Mater Newcastle to address the current facility management issues and ensure all required standards are met," a HNEH spokesperson said. The Calvary Mater was forced to cancel chemotherapy treatments this week due to internal flooding caused by severe leaks, which a SafeWork NSW inspection last month seemingly missed. The leaks have been a persistent problem for years and in the past four months have become so bad that leaking windows are being patched up with plastic garbage bags and drained into bins. During the heavy rain on Monday, the hospital had to cancel day treatments, including chemotherapy and other infusions, due to patient safety. One of the recovery ward bays is permanently closed due to the leaks, while the electrical panels near another must be regularly turned off. Staff have labelled the tearoom "the Mater waterfall", due to the four plastic bags hanging from walls to funnel water into buckets. But when SafeWork inspected the site on April 11, no concerns were raised regarding the leaks, the garbage bag patching or the dangerous aspergillus mould outbreak in the hospital's air-conditioning system. The watchdog was called to inspect the hospital regarding potential electrical issues. SafeWork says no concerns were raised during the inspection regarding mould and refused to answer any questions regarding other issues, including the leaks and electrical work. "SafeWork NSW enquiries are ongoing. No further comment can be made at this time," a spokesperson said. Following the Newcastle Herald's inquiries last week, SafeWork inspected the hospital's leaks on Monday. NSW Nurses and Midwives (NSWNMA) Calvary Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith said the situation was "appalling" and "a constant battle". "This is getting worse and worse, yet they continue to make us work in this dangerous environment," Ms Smith said. "You walk in thinking what's today going to look like, if it's safe to come to work and if your patients. That's the stuff on your mind every day." Despite the recent inspection, Ms Smith "didn't leave the meeting [with SafeWork] thinking things were going to change". "I'm sick of hearing there's no budget to fix this. That's not a reasonable answer," she said. It's not the first time the NSWNMA has raised concerns about SafeWork. Last year, the union slammed the effectiveness of the inspections in Auditor-General's review of the organisation. "The Association is observing inspectors attend health premises where there are clear breaches of the WHS legislation without issuing an Improvement or Prohibition Notice," the submission stated. In the past 12 months, SafeWork has received four complaints about the Mater, along with notification of two incidents. Inspectors have also previously visited the site in relation to a complaint about overcrowding in the emergency department. The Mater is managed under a public-private partnership by a consortium called Novacare, which is composed of four companies: Westpac Banking, Abigroup, Honeywell and Medirest. Novacare subcontracted its hard facilities management to Honeywell, who ignored the Herald's questions and has previously directed them to the state government. Hunter New England Health (HNEH), who provides in-patient and clinical services at the Mater, reiterated Novcare was responsible for the hospital's maintenance. "We remain focused on protecting the health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors, and are working closely with both Novacare and Calvary Mater Newcastle to address the current facility management issues and ensure all required standards are met," a HNEH spokesperson said.
News.com.au
09-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Labor unveils plans for sweeping reform to workers compensation scheme in NSW
Workplace health and safety laws are failing to prevent psychological injuries or treat sufferers quickly, the NSW government has claimed, following the release of plans for a sweeping overhaul of workers compensation. Formal consultation began in March following a commitment by the state government to modernise the state's workplace compensation system and ensure sustainability, with an Exposure Draft released on Friday. Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said the Labor state government was committed to 'strengthening a culture of prevention, early intervention, and effective return to work through a series of reforms'. 'These include major reforms to SafeWork NSW, such as expanding the psychosocial inspectorate, and industrial relations reforms that establish a 'stop bullying' jurisdiction,' Ms Cotsis said on Friday. 'Additionally, we have amended the iCare Act to include a principal objective focused on promoting early and appropriate treatment and care for injury and illness. 'This aims to optimise recovery, support return to work and daily activities, and ensure a sustainable compensation system.' Customer Service Minister Jihad Dib said the current workers compensation system was designed to support people who suffer physical injury at work, but 'doesn't do enough to help people experiencing psychological injury to recover and return to work'. Under the current system, only 50 per cent of workers with a psychological injury are returning to work within a year. The state government claimed the system currently spends seven times more on keeping an injured worker away from the workplace that it does on does on 'getting them healthy and back on the job'. Insurance premiums are also tipped to rise by 36 per cent over the next three years. The NSW government will not adopt a final position on the proposed reform until after community feedback on the Exposure Draft, which it says is the 'starting point for the next phase of conversations and to highlight the scale of the challenges the scheme is facing'.
