White Ribbon Australia executive director Brad Chilcott says it is disappointing Tea Tree Gully Mayor Kevin Knight has not completed sexual harassment training
White Ribbon Australia executive director Brad Chilcott says it is “disappointing” Tea Tree Gully Mayor Kevin Knight has ignored a council request to complete sexual harassment training.
North & North East
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An organisation aimed at preventing men’s violence against women says it is “disappointing” a local mayor has refused to complete sexual harassment training, nearly five months after his council first asked him to do so.
Tea Tree Gully Mayor Kevin Knight has refused the council’s demands to complete the training after an independent investigation found him guilty of patting a female staffer on the backside with a rolled-up document on October 2 last year.
However, White Ribbon Australia’s Brad Chilcott, who has asked council staff, elected members and the mayor to all consider undertaking White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation training, said Mr Knight should honour the council’s request.
“It would be disappointing if anybody refuses to do sexual harassment training; it can only enhance your leadership and create a safe workplace for everyone,” Mr Chilcott said.
“Leaders need to set the highest standard in that regard.”
However, Mr Knight said there was no “sexual intent” to the October incident and he did not need to complete the $800, one-hour training session.
“It’s a pity Brad Chilcott didn’t ring me first before making a public comment,” Mr Knight said.
“I hold Brad in the highest regard, I won’t be making any comments about him.”
Cr Jess Lintvelt said the issue had taken “far too much of council’s time”.
“From my perspective, completing the training does not cause any harm. Choosing not to does,” Cr Lintvelt said.
Cr Lintvelt and councillor Lucas Jones will introduce a motion at the next meeting, seeking a report on what is required for the council to achieve White Ribbon accreditation status.
Mr Chilcott said the accreditation would help the council better promote gender equality, create opportunities for women to take on leadership positions and have a workplace free of sexism and misogyny.
Cr Lintvelt said she would like to see all staff and elected members participate in training.
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“(What) White Ribbon Australia aims to do is critically important,” Cr Lintvelt’s proposed motion stated.
“Becoming an accredited organisation means that we are leading the way in tackling domestic violence issues and violence against women within our community.”
Elected members will consider the proposal on August 11.