Landmark review into ‘toxic behaviours’ at Consumer and Business Services after ‘sex scandal’ claims embroiled former chief

South Australia’s consumer watchdog is at the centre of an unprecedented investigation into “toxic” workplace allegations after sex scandal claims embroiled its former chief.

Dini Soulio has been suspended from Super SA while he is investigated for claims of sexual harassment and professional misconduct. Picture: Super SA

South Australia’s consumer watchdog is at the centre of an unprecedented investigation into “toxic” workplace allegations after sex scandal claims embroiled its former chief.

The state government has ordered a landmark review into Consumer Business Services, which is SA’s law enforcement agency of liquor licensing, commercial affairs and customer rights.

The external inquiry, which is expected to cost taxpayers more than $30,000, was launched after its former boss, Dini Soulio, 52, was accused of sexual harassment and professional misconduct claims.

It is not suggested the claims are true but that an investigation is ongoing.

Senior government sources said the “cultural review” will address various issues more broadly across the agency including “toxic behaviours” and conduct welfare-style interviews with “shell-shocked” staff.

“It’s like the Band-Aid has come off and everything is oozing out,” one official said.

Sources said the agency has been plagued with workload problems and bullying allegations.

Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels said while the review is underway, “CBS will continue doing this good work for South Australians”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Other officials say the organisational review is also being seen as a positive way to improve the important government regulator.

Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, Erma Ranieri, will oversee the review, which independent consultant, Rosslyn Cox, will conduct.

Ms Cox, a professional facilitator, will interview staff and other officials. She conducted a similar investigation last year into the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Soulio, one of the state’s most senior public servants who had served numerous Cabinet ministers, was CBS commissioner for more than a decade before becoming chief executive of the public superannuation fund Super SA in March this year.

CBS, which also enforces laws in hospitality, gambling, retail, tobacco and vapes, housing, charities as well as workplaces, was already separately in turmoil when his replacement, Martyn Campbell, abruptly quit after just eight weeks.

Senior AGD official Steph Halliday is acting CBS Commissioner. Picture Roger Wyman

Former Consumer Affairs Commissioner Martyn Campbell and Ms Michaels inspecting some of the illegal tobacco items seized during a raid in the northeastern suburbs. Picture: Elizabeth Henson

A separate Treasury inquiry is already investigating claims Mr Soulio, of Norwood, promoted some women he had consensual relationships with.

Complaints centre on allegations of “multiple” women over “several” years and also included inappropriate language and physical interactions with others.

He is not accused of any criminal wrongdoing.

Attorney-General’s Department executive director Steph Halliday is acting CBS commissioner until at least year’s end before a nationwide recruitment search for a permanent chief.

In response to inquiries, Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels on Sunday said the CBS review was ongoing.

“I requested this review in light of the investigation into the former commissioner, which is still ongoing, to ensure the wellbeing of staff,” she said.

“The Commissioner for Public Sector Employment Erma Ranieri will oversee the review and it will be undertaken by an independent facilitator, Rosslyn Cox out of CBS’ existing resources.

“My priority is to ensure CBS is best placed to continue to deliver for South Australians, protecting their consumer rights and ensuring businesses are complying with the law.

“While this review is underway, CBS will continue doing this good work for South Australians.”

She said in the past week CBS has raided more illegal tobacco shops while at least $700,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes have been seized since a July 1 crackdown amid fears of an organised crime “war” and police investigation of similar arson attacks.

Mr Campbell, a former SafeWork SA chief, would not comment last night.

Mr Soulio, a lawyer who is suspended from Super SA, said he was unaware of the review or what had prompted it while he’d “yet to be informed of any detail of the allegations directed towards me”.

“Given this, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment in the current circumstances,” he said.

He has said he will cooperate with any investigation Treasury undertakes.