The workplace bully is alive and well and thriving in Sydney, Australia. His venue is an aged-care facility for permanent residents.

He's the semi-illiterate barely articulate moron who lays down the rules for the patients, doctors, nurses, allied health and fellow-staff.

Break one of his rules - like not breathing in the prescribed manner - and you are spotlighted on a public broadcast of your stupidity and shortcomings.

This bully's attention is currently focused on an 83-year-old war veteran who is the perfect target for his special treatment. The bully is 34 centimeters taller than the patient and weighs 180kg more. This ideal ratio for the bully-victim combination is enhanced by the age, frailty and illness of the victim. The bully enjoys the added bonus of his victim being completely at his mercy. There's no hiding place in this facility. The locked doors and gates ensure there's no escape. The victim does not enjoy the option of a transfer. He has no home to go to.

For recreational breaks from his abusive, tormenting, belittling, humiliating power games, this bully regales all within earshot with his favorite anecdotes of the cruelty and punishment he inflicts on his wife, children, grandchildren and in-laws.

This bully has been employed in his present facility for 12 years. Attempts by various supervisors to dismiss or transfer him are met with amusement and derision. He is entering his 3rd year of being based in this particular ward. Like all the staff the bully has a key for entry and departure and access to every room in the ward. His key does not give the bully any advantages over other staff. But in his own eyes, the key increases his stature and power over the helpless patients. Besides his booming voice and towering height, his keys are simply another weapon in his arsenal.

The policy at this particular workplace is that when a complaint is made about a bully, the victim has to confront the bully and try to solve the problem. If this fails, a supervisor will step in and try to mediate between the two parties. Very few staff have had the courage to confront this bully. The few that have done so, have only been further humiliated. The patients don't even try. They just shuffle off to their beds to cry.

The concept that brains always win over brawn is greatly overestimated in this bully's arena. He continues to rule unopposed.

Learn more about this author, Elisabeth Mcgrath.
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