NSW Government package to support workers and shop owners at Westfield Bondi Junction

The NSW Government has been in constant contact with Westfield management as well as the Australian Retailers Association and the retail worker's union (SDA) to help ensure support is responsive and coordinated.

To further ensure a comprehensive government response, the Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis will on Monday meet with the major insurers for a roundtable to ensure any compensation claims are dealt with promptly and empathetically.

Businesses may be able to access business interruption insurance, while workers may be entitled to make workers compensation claims.

Workers compensation insurance may cover lost income, along with medical and rehabilitation expenses, if an employee experiences a work-related injury, including psychological injuries.

The Minister has tasked SafeWork NSW with creating a package of psychological health and safety support for businesses with fewer than 200 employees including:

• A free advice service for these employers which includes confidential one-on-one sessions with an expert on psychological health and safety.
• Free mental health training to ensure workers in these businesses have the practical knowledge and skills to support their own mental health and look out for their colleagues.

That support is available by calling SafeWork NSW 13 10 50.

Additional tools that are available include:

• The Traumatic Event Management Plan: a practical document intended to assist workplaces respond to and manage traumatic events.
• A code of practice which provides practical guidance on how to identify and manage risks to the psychological heath of workers.

Customers returning to Bondi Westfield who would like support can call the New South Wales Mental Health line on 1800 011 511.

Mental health counsellors remain in-person at Bondi Junction, largely around Oxford Street Mall, and will continue as long as needed.

The state insurer, icare, has already begun processing claims and assisting those affected. icare covers the majority of employees in NSW. If you were at work and have been impacted by this incident and you need assistance with workers compensation, please call icare on 13 77 22.

If you are an employer and need assistance with your policy to support affected workers, please call 13 77 22. You can also find out more information and see FAQs.

icare is also providing additional psychological support services to assist employees and supplement the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service provided by Westfield's retail employers.

The NSW Government will continue to engage with all stakeholders to help ensure those impacted by the tragic incident on Saturday are provided with support.

Quotes attributed to Minister Sophie Cotsis

"Please be kind, gentle and sensitive to workers and shop owners today and in the days to come.

"Everyone reacts to these moments in different ways and some workers may find it difficult to return to work.

"The NSW Government is in for the long haul supporting all the workers and shop owners today and into the future.

"Many retail workers are under the age of 25 and it's vital we listen to them and learn from them what more we can do to support them now and into the future."