Western Australia’s Deputy Premier Roger Cook has defended his electoral and ministerial offices amid allegations a senior staffer was bullied and “brutally sacked” last year.
Mr Cook refused to comment on the circumstances that led to Sanja Spasojevic losing her job at his electorate office in Kwinana, where she had worked for nine years, last October but refuted claims the office’s workplace culture was toxic.
Deputy Premier Roger Cook addressing the media in Fremantle on Saturday. Credit:Peter de Kruijff
According to an article published by The West Australian on Saturday, Ms Spasojevic was subject to bullying, harassment, and inappropriate comments and had been forced to obtain a misconduct restraining order against another Labor staffer who allegedly threatened to “destroy her”.
Ms Spasojevic told the Seven-West Media daily newspaper she was being pressured into signing a deed of settlement containing a gag order and when she refused her employment was terminated.
The former staffer claims HR management accused her of failing to submit leave from time off despite having submitted a request to Mr Cook, who shred the document in front of her.
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Ms Spasojevic has referred her claims to the Public Service Commissioner, alleging a lack of procedural fairness.
During a brief press conference in Fremantle on Saturday, Mr Cook said he was saddened by the course of events, adding his relationship with Ms Spasojevic was “not in the best shape”, but said the former employee had been awarded procedural fairness.
“Unfortunately, there are a number of workplace issues which formed and developed over a period of time,” he told reporters.
