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Investigation into Gawler Council chief Henry Inat bullying claims can’t be discussed now, says mayor

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman has blocked a push for an investigation into bullying allegations against council chief Henry Inat, saying it can be dealt with at the end of the month. Some councillors say that’s too long to wait.

Gawler Council chief executive Henry Inat and mayor Karen Redman at a council meeting. Picture: Colin James
Gawler Council chief executive Henry Inat and mayor Karen Redman at a council meeting. Picture: Colin James

A push to investigate allegations Gawler chief executive Henry Inat bullied staff has been blocked by Mayor Karen Redman.

Ms Redman refused to let Cr Ian Tooley put his proposal for an investigation to the council at a special meeting on Tuesday night, instead directing him to lodge it for Gawler’s next meeting – on July 28.

But Cr Tooley and a number of his colleagues have argued the matter is too pressing to be delayed for another month.

Gawler Council chief executive Henry Inat at a council meeting. Picture: Colin James
Gawler Council chief executive Henry Inat at a council meeting. Picture: Colin James

A recent union survey found staff felt “worthless”, “neglected”, “disrespected”, “degraded”, “intimidated” and “pushed up against a wall” by Mr Inat.

Multiple staff members said they felt bullied by him.

Mr Inat has denied the allegations and suggested the survey was a “union ploy”.

Cr Tooley emailed his proposal for an external investigation to councillors last week.

However, the procedure for special council meetings does not allow issues to be put on notice by councillors, meaning he had to raise it on the night.

The mayor has the right to refuse a motion without notice.

Ms Redman told the meeting she was “not able to accept it this evening”.

“However, you are invited to submit it as a motion on notice for the upcoming July meeting, so I would ask that you do that,” Ms Redman said.

“It’s up to you what you wish to do, but you are not able to submit it tonight.”

Gawler Town Hall and Institute buildings. Picture: Colin James
Gawler Town Hall and Institute buildings. Picture: Colin James

In an email to elected members before the meeting, Ms Redman said she would not accept the motion “in the spirit of fairness and equity” because it did not relate to a topic set for discussion.

Cr Tooley, in reply, said blocking the call for an inquiry was “indefensible”.

Councillors Paul Little, Jim Vallelonga and Nathan Shanks also called for investigation to be discussed on Tuesday night.

In an email to Ms Redman, Cr Shanks said “sitting on this until the end of the month” was “ill advised”.

He said his phone “certainly hasn’t stopped” ringing about matters relating to the allegations and he would “like to have this conversation sooner rather than later”.

Tuesday’s special meeting was called because the council did not get to the motions of notice that were set to be discussed at its June meeting.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/north-northeast/investigation-into-gawler-council-chief-henry-inat-bullying-claims-cant-be-discussed-now-says-mayor/news-story/5aab1b49f9021d6173f57bc30c5c332d