Scenario

Jukka Sepp is a community support worker at First Access. One day, he notices one of his colleagues, Lachlan, taking home supplies such as paracetamol, bandages, and gloves. The next day, he confronts him and says, 'Hey Lachlan. Look, I have seen you taking supplies home. What is going on?'

Lachlan is taken by surprise and becomes defensive. 'I'm trying to support my brother! Do you know how hard it is to work where we work and not be able to have a family member access this type of support?'

Jukka listens to Lachlan as he goes on to explain that his brother refuses to seek help. He tells him, 'There is great shame in seeking help as a Wurundjeri man. We don't talk about mental health. I think that is why my brother refuses to ask for support... other than from me. I work here, so he feels it's easier to just ask me for help.'

Through their conversation, Lachlan opens up about also providing support for his cousin who is a client at First Access. He hasn't disclosed this information to their manager and asked Jukka to 'keep this between you and me.'

Jukka strongly encourages Lachlan to be open and honest about the stock he has taken. He also encourages him to speak to their supervisor about his cousin being a resident at First Access.

'No way, man! I can't afford to get fired! I need to look after my brother and keep an eye on my cousin. Look, thanks for listening to me, but be a mate and don't say anything.'

Lachlan turns and walks away.

Based on the scenario: What are Jukka's legal and ethical responsibilities applicable to the scenario? Jukka discloses the information he knows about Lachlan to his supervisor John. What information does he disclose to John? What is the legal and ethical dilemma identified and the potential and/or actual breaches and conflicts of interest in this situation?

Refer to the relevant policies and procedures to support the legal and ethical requirements: Privacy and Confidentiality Policy and Procedure Duty of Care Policy and Procedure Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy and Procedure Code of Ethics Code of Conduct Policy and Procedure Workplace Health and Safety Policy and Procedure Management of Risks and Hazards Policy and Procedure.