TREVOR WALLY WRONGFULLY DISMISSED

Photo Credit: https: Angela Rooney

GEOFF VIVIAN

The Public Service Appeal Board has found a Noongar man was wrongfully dismissed for refusing to be examined by a neurologist, according to The West Australian.

Trevor Walley lost his job as an eco education officer with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in January 2020.

He had been in the job for more than 40 years, but since 2000 had taken about two and a half years off work due to post traumatic stress disorder.

In 2019 the Department told Mr Walley he was required to attend a neurological assessment after seeing a psychiatrist.

Mr Walley said he was concerned about the effect the procedures might have on his spiritual totem.

The Public Service Appeal Board ruled in his favour, finding the requirement for a neurology assessment to be “unreasonable” and unnecessary.

Mr Walley said he had had to dip into his superannuation to hire a barrister, and although he had “won” the case he had still lost his job.