Government House bullying probe returns bombshell report

Investigators have returned a report into bullying allegations that staff working in the Office of the Governor were subjected to toxic abuse, driving one to the brink of suicide.

A bombshell report into bullying within Queensland’s highest office that pushed one former employee to the brink of suicide has been handed to Governor Paul de Jersey.

The three-month independent investigation was triggered in March after former aide Donna Rideout made explosive claims of systemic bullying during her time at Government House.

Mrs Rideout says Mr de Jersey and his wife Kaye were unaware of the toxic environment she says their staff worked in and neither are accused of any wrongdoing.

Donna Rideout, former executive assistant to Governor Paul de Jersey, claims she was driven to the brink of suicide after suffering years of bullying and gaslighting while working at the Fernberg Estate. Picture: Nigel Hallett

In March The Courier-Mail revealed how Mrs Rideout’s dream job turned into a nightmare when she said some other staffers allegedly undermined, bullied and abused her.

She said her and colleagues were regularly put down and sworn at, claiming the frequent “narcissistic and manipulative” behaviour of staff members saw her repeatedly break down in tears at work.

Mr de Jersey, shocked by Mrs Rideout’s story, ordered independent investigators from McGrathNicol to explore the allegations made.

A spokesman for the Office of the Governor said the investigation was complete and its contents were being reviewed.

“The Governor has received and is currently considering the report into allegations raised by Mrs Rideout,” he said.

His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, who along with his wife, has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Picture: Annette Dew

The former employee said she has been left in the dark about the outcome of the investigation, but hoped it would end a culture of bullying within Government House.

“They’ve given me nothing,” she said.

“I want it to lead to change within the organisation.”

Ms Rideout said since speaking out in March she had been contacted by people who faced the same circumstances.

“People have reached out to me and even people I’m working to now and said they’ve gone through something similar,” she said.

“It makes me feel sad it’s so widespread, but I am pleased that I stood up and hopefully there will be a good outcome.

“For someone to heal from this behaviour, it’s good to speak out.”

It is understood the McGrath Nicol investigation interviewed several former and existing Government House employees.

Mrs Rideout said the inquiry had allowed her to find peace after years of personal torment.

“Once the inquiry came to being, and I was as anxious and sick – but after speaking to them I felt peace because I’d been able to have my say,” she said.

Mr de Jersey’s tenure is due to end in November and he will be replaced as Governor by Queensland chief health officer Jeannette Young.