Playford Council CEO Mal Hemmerling was stood down after secret review uncovered ‘culture of bullying’
Tensions within an embattled Adelaide council’s senior ranks led to a secret review of manager conduct uncovering a “culture of bullying”, leaked correspondence shows.
- Playford boss stood down on full pay over workplace safety inquiry
- New twist in Mal Hemmerling’s legal dispute with Playford Council
Tensions within an embattled Adelaide council’s senior ranks led to a secret review of manager conduct uncovering a “culture of bullying”, leaked correspondence shows.
A ratepayer-funded consultant helped Playford Council’s executive team in May “work together more cohesively” months before its highly paid boss was suspended on full pay.
The Rally Consulting review, which has never been made public, found evidence of a “culture of bullying” at “executive” levels, according to a letter from mayor Glenn Docherty, 35, to chief executive Mal Hemmerling.
The state’s highest-paid council boss was last week stood down from his $366,287-a-year job after a separate July incident with a junior female staffer, which was later dealt with informally.
The Advertiser revealed the former Grand Prix supremo has threatened legal action.
Internal inquiries involving at least three law firms and a consultancy company have cost ratepayers more than $200,000.
A Victorian dispute-resolution firm has also been hired.
Councillors held two confidential meetings on the eve of the weekend’s council elections.
In the mayor’s November 5 letter informing him of his suspension, which was sent during council caretaker mode, he said new firm Peacemaker ADR would investigate “serious and wilful misconduct” allegations.
Dr Hemmerling had “no obligation” to speak to investigators, but the mayor said if he declined a conclusion could still be made.
Mr Docherty, who was re-elected on Saturday, banned Dr Hemmerling from talking to staff, making public statements, visiting the council or working but said he “must remain on call to perform any … normal duties if required”.
Acting CEO Sam Green — paid $273,270 with a car — was last week promoted from sick leave despite facing suspension over mismanagement claims, Dr Hemmerling’s lawyer alleged. “This is an extraordinarily imprudent decision and one that cannot stand scrutiny,” Greg Griffin wrote.
“Council has permitted itself to become completely compromised in the process.”
Dr Hemmerling, 72, of Stirling, denies any wrongdoing. He will seek almost $395,000 in reputational damages. The council covers northern suburb areas including Davoren Park, Elizabeth and Smithfield.
Neither Mr Docherty nor Mr Green returned calls.
A council spokeswoman worker “safety and wellbeing” was “of paramount importance”. “Council will continue to follow fair and appropriate processes for the handling of these serious and sensitive allegations,” she said.
