New twist in Mal Hemmerling’s legal dispute with Playford Council
THE new acting CEO of Playford Council — replacing Mal Hemmerling, who has been placed on leave amid disputed claims of “bullying and harassment” — himself faced the prospect of being stood down over the way the inquiry was conducted.
THE new acting chief executive of Playford Council — replacing Mal Hemmerling, who has been placed on leave amid disputed claims of “bullying and harassment” — himself faced the prospect of being stood down over the way the inquiry was conducted.
Dr Hemmerling, 72, the state’s highest-paid council boss, is threatening to launch legal action after last week being sent home on full pay from his $366,287-a-year position.
It came six months after the former Grand Prix supremo made a comment to a junior female staffer, which was later dealt with informally.
An internal ratepayer-funded inquiry into the incident, involving at least three law firms and a consultancy company, has cost at least $200,000.
A Victorian dispute resolution firm was hired last week.
Ahead of local government elections, and while in caretaker mode last week, two special council meetings were held behind closed doors.
Acting chief executive Sam Green later wrote to staff advising of Dr Hemmerling’s leave.
The leaked letter stated, in part, the council “does not condone or excuse” unsafe workplaces.
Dr Hemmerling has flagged defamation action over the letter and will seek reputational damages of almost $395,000.
In a report, Fisher Jeffries lawyers detailed “serious matters over the conduct of Mr Green” and the council’s HR boss, according to a letter Dr Hemmerling’s lawyers sent to the council on Friday.
“The findings and recommendations of Fisher Jeffries are most serious,” lawyer Greg Griffin wrote.
Mr Griffin alleges multiple management failings, questionable motives and confidentiality breaches while also asserting the review should have resulted in Mr Green being stood down pending a formal probe.
Mr Green — who has instead been promoted to acting CEO — and the HR boss recently took sick leave.
Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty on Monday wrote to Dr Hemmerling about “conduct concerns”.
He wrote: “Separately, and more recently, concerns about your conduct have been raised and have now been brought to the attention of the elected body.
“You should be aware … concerns raised are in the nature of bullying and harassment.”
Despite his letter and the meetings, Mr Docherty would not comment on Saturday due to caretaker provisions. He is seeking re-election in the current council elections.
A council spokeswoman refused to comment and Mr Green did not return calls.