State government minister Corey Wingard launches legal action against sports administrator Leah Cassidy over ‘bullying’ allegations

Sports minister Corey Wingard has launched legal action against a sports administrator who alleged he “bullied and intimidated” her.

State government minister Corey Wingard has launched legal action against a sporting administrator who alleges she was bullied and intimidated by him. Picture: Mike Burton

State government minister Corey Wingard has taken the bombshell move of launching legal action against a sporting administrator who alleges she was bullied and intimidated by him.

The move has pre-empted the findings of a top-level investigation into the allegations made by Sports SA chief executive officer Leah Cassidy that has not even been completed.

The investigation was initiated by Premier Steven Marshall after Ms Cassidy lodged a formal complaint with him in July over the alleged conduct of Mr Wingard and his chief of staff, Larissa Mallinson, during a meeting in June.

After receiving the complaint, Mr Marshall referred the matter to Commissioner for Public Sector Employment Erma Ranieri who launched a formal investigation. The investigation is still being conducted by private investigator Andrew Hill.

It can be revealed that high-profile barrister Greg Griffin, who is acting for Mr Wingard, last week served a Concerns Notice – a prelude to formal court action if a settlement is not reached – on Ms Cassidy. Mr Wingard is seeking an unreserved public apology, legal costs and $5000 in compensation from Ms Cassidy, which he plans to donate to a children’s charity.

When contacted on Sunday, Ms Cassidy confirmed she had received the Concerns Notice, but declined to comment at length on the legal move.

“I can’t comment, that is my legal advice,’’ she said. “All I can say is that I was shocked to receive this. I have done everything I have been asked to in this investigation.’’

Mr Wingard cannot commence litigation proceedings until 28 days have passed since serving the Concerns Notice on Ms Cassidy.

State government minister Corey Wingard. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

Sports SA chief executive officer Leah Cassidy alleges bullying by Mr Wingard. Picture: Brad Crouch

The legal manoeuvre by Mr Wingard could have the practical effect of preventing Ms Cassidy from making any public comment when the results of Ms Ranieri’s investigation are revealed.

In response to a series of questions, Mr Griffin on Sunday confirmed the legal action and said it was being taken by Mr Wingard “as a private citizen at no expense to the taxpayer’’.

“Corey appreciates being in public life means you are open to criticism, some fair and some unfair, but the statements made here crossed the line and hurt him and his family,’’ he said.

Mr Griffin said Mr Wingard would be interviewed as part of the investigation this week “and will co-operate fully.’’

Ms Cassidy’s allegations of alleged bullying and intimidation stemmed from a June 24 meeting between herself, Sport SA president Michael Wright, Mr Wingard and Ms Mallinson.

The meeting was to discuss the distribution of grants under the government’s partnerships program.

Ms Cassidy alleged that during the meeting Mr Wingard made comments to intimidate her and that he did not intervene when Ms Mallinson allegedly verbally attacked and intimidated her.

It is understood the lengthy Concerns Notice details Mr Wingard’s account of the June 24 meeting, but this conflicts dramatically with the version recounted publicly by Ms Cassidy and in her letters of complaint both to Mr Marshall and Mr Wingard. It is understood it also states that neither Mr Wingard or Ms Mallinson behaved inappropriately or displayed any aggressive or bullying behaviour toward her or Mr Wright.

Ms Mallinson and Mr Wright declined to comment when contacted.

It is known the investigator has already interviewed Ms Cassidy, Mr Wright and Ms Mallinson.

The findings of Ms Ranieri’s investigation are expected to be presented to Mr Marshall by the end of the month.

Mr Marshall declined to comment on the matter when contacted on Sunday.