Bunbury Prison staff told not to comment and reminded of sex discrimination laws as Federal Court case looms

An email to all Bunbury Regional Prison workers has urged staff not to discuss matters relating to a case filed in the Federal Court alleging sexual harassment, sexual discrimination and disability discrimination by prison officers and the Department of Justice. It comes in response to a lawsuit to the Federal Court by former Bunbury Prison officer Bronwyn Hendry alleging shocking claims of sexual harassment in the workplace. The email seen by the Bunbury Herald was sent on Wednesday afternoon after news of the lawsuit was reported in the media. In it, Acting Assistant Custodial Operations Commissioner Susan Rowley told staff not to comment on the matter as it is in the court. “You may have seen recent reports in the media about Bunbury Regional Prison regarding a legal action against the Department and others, including the Superintendent, in respect of a claim of unlawful discrimination,” it read. “In our roles it is not appropriate to comment on matters currently before the Court. “It is also not appropriate to speak to potential witnesses or anyone named in Court proceedings about those matters currently before the Court. “It is important that the Courts are able to do their job without any interference or perception of interference, that includes ensuring due process and independent review of the evidence.“ The email also reminded staff of their duty around the law. “Further, I also wish to ensure that staff are aware of section 94 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) which provides that it is a crime to victimise a person who has made a complaint or may make a complaint under that Act or the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth),” it read. “Supports and facilities are available to all staff (see below) including confidential EAP services and platforms for anonymous reporting of concerns. “I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the Department does not in any circumstance condone actions or behaviours that could constitute unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation in the workplace and the Department encourages staff to report these kinds of behaviours should they arise. Court documents show Miss Hendry alleges a culture of unrelenting sexual harassment which included a senior colleague taking her to a room and telling her he would “f... her brains out”. Another allegation described a commonplace act of male officers creating what they called “pocket pussies” by filling up latex gloves with water and heating them in the microwave before making lewd acts near female colleagues. Miss Hendry says she quit her job in April due to a lack of feasible options of alternative work after her mental health deteriorated. The first hearing of the case is expected on December 20.