Council CEO on leave after sexual misconduct allegations

The CEO of a south coast council has been forced to take immediate leave in the face of sexual harassment allegations made after a staff Christmas party last year.

Shellharbour Council.

The CEO of a south coast council has been forced to take immediate leave in the face of sexual harassment allegations made after a staff Christmas party last year.

Shellharbour council chief executive Mike Archer is on leave following an urgent council meeting on Monday evening after multiple complaints were made of sexual misconduct.

More than 10 complaints were made by multiple council staff after a work Christmas party last year when Mr Archer is alleged to have acted inappropriately with a junior female staff member.

Shellharbour Council CEO Michael Archer. Picture: Dylan Arvela

SafeWork NSW has confirmed they are now investigating the allegations.

“SafeWork NSW has received a report of alleged workplace sexual harassment at Shellharbour City Council,” a spokesperson said.

“The matter is ongoing, and no further comment can be made.”

The Monday evening urgent extraordinary council meeting was a closed door confidential session where councillors heard a verbal report “on personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors)” according to the meeting minutes.

All councillors, with the exception of Shellharbour mayor Chris Homer, voted to place Mr Archer on immediate leave.

A separate council meeting last Tuesday, councillors recommended an external review into the alleged sexual harassment incident from the Christmas party.

A Shellharbour City Council spokesperson would not comment on the SafeWork NSW investigation or the allegations of sexual misconduct.

“This is a private matter between Council and the CEO,” the spokesperson said.

“Council will not be providing any further comments on this matter.”

Executive Director of Business Enterprises Wayde Peterson has been appointed as acting CEO while Mr Archer is on leave.