Former Wingecarribee Acting General Manager Barry Paull charged with assault

A former high-ranking staff member at Wingecarribee Shire Council has been charged with assault after he allegedly pushed a young journalist.

Former Wingecarribee Shire Council Acting General Manager Barry Paull has been formally charged with assault following an alleged incident last month.

A police spokeswoman confirmed the 58-year-old man had been charged with common assault following an incident at a venue on Argyle Street in Moss Vale last month.

“A 23-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted by the man at approximately 6pm on Tuesday, March 9,” a statement read.

Former Wingecarribee Shire Council Acting General Manager Barry Paull has been charged with assault.

A police spokeswoman said the 23-year-old had been speaking to a group of people she knew when a male member of the group allegedly assaulted her.

Witnesses said 23-year-old Southern Highlands Express journalist Madeleine Achenza had been speaking to the group of councillors and council staff when Mr Paull allegedly grabbed her by the arm and pushed her out of the pub.

Southern Highlands Express journalist Madeleine Achenza was allegedly assaulted by Barry Paull.

Multiple witnesses attended the police station to give statements and CCTV footage taken from the venue was reviewed as part of the investigation.

The assault charge follows soon after an announcement on April 7 by Interim Administrator Viv May that Mr Paull had resigned, effective immediately. Despite the allegations of assault, the resignation came as a shock to many residents and signalled a change in council.

This photo was taken on the night of the alleged assault by witness Paul Samulski. Picture: Paul Samulski.

Speaking to The Bowral News, Mr May said the resignations had to happen.

“The culture has to change,” he said.

Mr Paull will appear in Moss Vale Local Court on June 8.