The case of Kaitlin De Rosa, who was a victim of bullying and harassment within the Country Fire Authority (CFA), highlights the ongoing issue of such behavior being concealed and minimized within organizations. De Rosa is currently undergoing psychiatric care in hospital, indicating the lasting impact of the abuse she suffered. The legal representatives for De Rosa declined to comment on the matter, while a CFA spokeswoman stated that the issue had been resolved confidentially for the benefit of the individual involved. The CFA has stated that they are working to improve the health and safety environment for its members.
The abuse suffered by De Rosa came to light in December 2017 when CCTV footage of an attack on her was leaked to the media, leading to an internal investigation by the CFA. Four members were stood down by then-CFA chief executive following the incident. Despite the referral of the matter to police and WorkSafe, no charges were laid. De Rosa and her mother claimed that the CFA had not provided all CCTV footage of the attacks. The culture within the CFA was described as aberrant in the statement of claim, accusing the organization of negligence in training and supervising its firefighters.
The dysfunctional culture within the CFA was further highlighted by a report by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, which was suppressed in 2018 due to a legal challenge by the United Firefighters Union. The review, commissioned by former emergency services minister Jane Garrett, aimed to address the issues within the organization. Garrett, who resigned from cabinet in 2016, expressed devastation over the court’s decision to suppress the report. The report was seen as a road map for change in addressing the issues faced by women within the CFA.
The ongoing efforts by the CFA to improve and support the health and safety environment for its members indicate a recognition of the need for change within the organization. The case of Kaitlin De Rosa serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of bullying and harassment and the importance of addressing such behavior within workplaces. The legal challenges and investigations that have surrounded the case highlight the complexities involved in addressing systemic issues of abuse and neglect within organizations. Moving forward, there is a need for continued efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for all members of the CFA and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
