For failing to prevent workplace bullying the Victorian government department was ordered to pay $313,575 to former senior corrections officer Susan Dawson. 

The judgment was handed down by Judge Katherine Bourke in the Warrnambool County Court civil division on Thursday. 

The sum includes $125,000 for pain and suffering, $134,575 for past economic loss and $54,000 for future economic loss. 

Handing down her 209-page judgment, Judge Bourke said she was satisfied that Ms Dawson’s manager, Phillip Pettingill, engaged in “repeated and unreasonable behaviour towards the plaintiff”.

“I am also satisfied that there was negligence on the part of management in both periods in failing to take appropriate steps in relation to the bullying behaviour and the plaintiff’s complaints in relation thereto,” Judge Bourke said. 

Mr Pettingill is a location manager with the department.

Ms Dawson’s complaint related to her employment at the Warrnambool office of the Department of Justice between August 2002 and August 2007. 

The court found Ms Dawson was subjected to two extended periods of bullying, first during 2002 and 2003, then between 2005 and 2006. 

The court heard she was subject to various forms of bullying from Mr Perringill, including yelling and abuse, humiliating and demeaning treatment, being reprimanded for trifling matters, repeatedly being told she was not liked by colleagues and/or management, having files flicked at her and repeatedly being asked in the presence of co-workers how long she intended working or remaining at the location.

A claim in relation to an earlier period of employment from June 2000 was abandoned, as was her claim of negligence relating to alleged bullying by the defendant’s regional manager, Richard Randla.

The court also heard Ms Dawson suffered from depression, anxiety and an adjustment disorder as a result of the bullying and still sees a psychologist fortnightly. 

Ms Dawson’s lawyer Creon Coolahan said the compensation payout was a significant one and entirely justified given the nature of the bullying that was tolerated by the department.

“The severity of the psychiatric injuries sustained by Ms Dawson resulted in her being unable to continue her career within the justice system, and requiring her to find alternative part-time work at decreased wages,” Mr Coolahan said.

“This judgment puts employers on notice that bullying is a serious matter ... (and cannot be) simply swept under the carpet.”