Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Petitions

WorkCover

Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) presented a petition bearing 57 signatures:

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that the current WorkCover legislation in Victoria fails to protect workers who suffer psychological injuries caused by workplace bullying, harassment, and victimisation. These behaviours are not classified as legitimate workplace injuries, but rather as mental health conditions. As a result, victims are often forced to endure distressing symptoms for more than 12 months before becoming eligible for legal assistance. This delay puts vulnerable individuals at greater emotional, financial, and professional risk. It also empowers negligent workplaces to avoid accountability while the injured are left isolated and unsupported.

Despite employees commitment to their roles and colleagues, they often find themselves without protection after reporting mistreatment, and with no legal recourse as the harm escalated.

This is the reality for many workers across Victoria. Our laws must change to reflect modern workplace challenges. Psychological injuries must be recognised and treated with the same urgency and support as physical injuries. It’s time for fairness

The system currently fails to protect vulnerable workers, allowing negligent employers to escape accountability. Legislative changes are required to treat psychological and physical injuries equally. It’s time to modernise our laws, provide early access to support, and ensure justice for those impacted by toxic workplace environments.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to urgently reform legislation in relation to WorkCover to ensure psychological injuries caused by workplace bullying, harassment, and victimisation are recognised as legitimate workplace injuries.