Raymond, Daniel and Paul Chapman commenced legal proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) against the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), seeking a review of a suspension imposed by VICSES management following an alleged preliminary investigation into work health and safety practices and potential disciplinary matters at the Bacchus Marsh VICSES Unit. VICSES sought judgment on jurisdictional grounds stating that since it made no decision which was reviewable by VCAT, VCAT did not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter. The proceeding was dismissed on 8 September 2015 on the basis that no reviewable decision had been made.
On 29 September 2015, the Melton Moorabool Star Weekly published an article in print and online concerning the VCAT proceeding. The article contained a statement that the alleged preliminary investigation held at the Bacchus Marsh Unit was in relation to the behaviour of the Chapmans and that the Chapmans did not dispute the findings of the alleged investigation. Those statements were incorrect and the Melton Moorabool Star Weekly hereby retracts them.
The Melton Moorabool Star Weekly acknowledges that the Chapmans did dispute the findings and that they continue to do so.
The Melton Moorabool Star Weekly unreservedly apologises to the Chapmans for any hurt, embarrassment or damage which the statements may have caused to their personal and/or professional reputation.
