DFV Leadership – Brett Bassett

Aug 8, 2021 | Blogs, DFV, DFV leadership, domesic violence, domestic and family violence, meaningful difference, workhaven, workplace approach to DFV, workplace domestic violence

Brett Bassett MBA, BEd, GAICD, FGIA, CFE has been the QBCC Commissioner since May 2016. Prior to commencing at the QBCC, he was the Queensland Regional Commissioner for the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). He developed and implemented ASIC’s small business strategy with a specific focus on education, engagement and regulation of the building and construction industry and chaired the inaugural Federal Government Building and Construction roundtable that now occurs annually. 

Brett has a regulatory background, having held positions with the Queensland Police Service, NSW Department of Fair Trading, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

WorkHaven has recently worked with the QBCC to deliver a range of training and awareness activities to further develop the organisation’s response to domestic and family violence (DFV). This project was championed by Brett, who has been passionate about taking an effective and meaningful approach to DFV in his organisation. We recently chatted to learn more about his thoughts on the role of the workplace in relation to DFV.

What role does the workplace have in the stand against domestic and family violence (DFV)?

We spend so much time at work with our colleagues, and we can’t forget what happens at home when we are in the workplace and vice versa. 

At the QBCC, we see it as important to support our team with anything that is troubling them, either at work or at home.

What do you think the key issues are in relation to organisations taking a meaningful stand against DFV?

The stigma of domestic and family violence is an issue, and some colleagues may feel embarrassed to ask for help. An organisation needs to outline that the workplace is here to support rather than judge a person’s situation.

Do you have any thoughts on potential solutions to these issues?

Domestic and family violence is complex and each person is different. A workplace needs to tailor an approach to each person’s individual circumstance. All solutions should be based on compassion and privacy.

As a leader, what can you and other leaders do to address DFV?

Leaders need to openly speak about domestic and family violence, and put policies and procedures in place that are not “cookie-cutter” solutions. We need to let employees know that meaningful support is available from the workplace. If we don’t speak about it, people will just sweep it under the carpet.