A state government project to protect diverse women at work has been derailed amid allegations of systemic racism and mismanagement. Two industry groups, an independent evaluator and a prominent lawyer have all departed months before it is set to wrap up.
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00:00Government and industry representatives gathered with high hopes of improving the lives of women in the workplace.
00:09These issues are not some minor challenge.
00:12In July last year, the taxpayer-funded WorkWell Respect Network was officially launched.
00:17It would run educational forums with industry groups to address violence against women from diverse backgrounds.
00:24But less than a year later, the woman tasked with leading it has offered a scathing assessment.
00:30It's a perfect failure. This was a project that failed in all the ways.
00:36The $800,000 project was overseen by WorkSafe, which contracted Victoria University's Sir Zelman Cohen Centre to deliver it.
00:45It was soon plagued by delays, disputes and departures.
00:49I think we had the capability of delivering it, but I think that the centre was, you know, we didn't have enough resources, right?
00:56People involved in the project have told the ABC that the relationship between the Victoria University Centre and WorkSafe broke down.
01:04Two industry groups left. Some participants have placed the blame with Ms Nguyen and the Research Centre.
01:10But she's also made allegations of systemic racism.
01:14The prominent lawyer endured six months of hostility and Machiavellian behaviour, according to text messages and emails from a Victoria University HR worker.
01:24It was like, maybe stop the abuse where the abuse is coming from.
01:29Because what has effectively occurred right now is that we've moved from normalisation to the punishment of my response to abuse as the issue.
01:39She has now resigned from the university.
01:42In a statement, Victoria University said it strongly stands against any form of racism and discrimination,
01:48and remains committed to supporting Yaidol in any way we can.
01:52WorkSafe said it continues to engage with stakeholders and greatly values the expertise and experiences of its partners.
02:00The project wraps up mid-year when final audits and assessments are due.
02:05But given the independent evaluator has also gone, it's not clear how that will happen.
02:10I have to go.
02:11Do you see them soon.
02:12I don't want to wait until you ask questions.
02:13What is the problem?
02:14No.
02:15Do you find a problem?
02:16No.
02:17No.
02:18No.
02:19No.
02:20No.
02:21No.
02:22No.
02:23No.
02:24No.
02:25We have to have to have to have it done.
02:27No.
02:28No.
02:29No.
02:30No.
02:31No.
02:32No.
02:33No.
02:34No.
02:38No.