Local health service confirms man charged with child exploitation production is no longer employed by them

A local health service has confirmed it has terminated the employment of a man charged with child exploitation material offences. Bega Garnbirringu Health Service put out a statement in response to its former employee, Robert Andrew Bell, facing Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court for producing, distributing and possession of CEM. The Kalgoorlie Miner reported the 54-year-old appeared in court last week and indicated guilty pleas to the charges. The statement from Bega says police confirmed with Bega the matter was not workplace-related and involved “online activity conducted privately”, not during workplace hours. “The individual has been terminated as an employee of Bega Garnbirringu Health Service and has no access to our facilities or programs,” the statement reads. “During employment, he held current Working with Children Check and Police Clearances with no adverse findings.” The statement goes on to say child safety was the “absolute priority” at Bega. “Young people and families are at the heart of everything we do at Bega Garnbirringu Health Service,” it reads. “We’re working closely with Elders to make sure any healing happens properly, respecting our ways and our protocols.” Bega has brought together legal experts and cultural advisers to provide guidance and support through what it says is a “challenging period” and is offering help to “anyone who needs it”.