Whole Burnside council to undergo behavioural training after report finds bullying, toxic culture

A “toxic” culture of bullies is running wild at one of Adelaide’s most affluent councils, lawyers have found – and its CEO agrees they need to learn a lesson.

A council in one of Adelaide’s most affluent areas will be forced to undergo behavioural training after being raked over the coals for a “toxic workplace” by lawyers.

The independent findings by Sparke Helmore Lawyers found Burnside Council was besieged by a culture of bullies who victimise colleagues who speak up about inappropriate behaviour.

As part of its investigation into a separate complaint regarding embattled councillor Jane Davey, it found “broader cultural issues at play within council that should be addressed”.

Ms Davey was found to have breached council behaviour standards for the fourth time after she allegedly left councillor Lilian Henschke in tears following an “uncalled for” attack – during a behaviour workshop.

Sparke Helmore said all Burnside councillors should have additional behavioural training – as well as Ms Davey – by a “senior external expert”, including potential consequences for councillors who breach behavioural standards.

Councillors will now be forced to have more behavioural training to learn about values, ethics, leadership skills and how to talk to each other.

Burnside council is engulfed in a “toxic” culture, an investigation has found.

“A significant concern for council more broadly arising from the investigation is that conduct of the nature engaged in by Ms Davey is reportedly not confined to Ms Davey, nor has it only been directed at Ms Henschke,” they said.

“A clear example of this occurred during the meeting of June 18, 2024, when a comment regarding a councillor’s financial literacy was raised during debate.

“Multiple witnesses described Ms Davey (and other councillors) engaging in inappropriate conduct towards them or others, and terms such as ‘bullying’ and ‘toxic workplace’ were frequently referenced.

“Further, consistent evidence was provided that ‘speaking up’ about inappropriate behaviours often resulted in victimisation by the alleged ‘bullies’.”

On top of the additional training, Sparke Helmore also recommended “potential consequences” for councillors whose behaviour did not meet the “required standard”.

Burnside council CEO Julia Grant said council had “moved the recommendations” set out in the investigative report and noted its findings.

Ms Grant – who was appointed two months ago – acknowledged there was a toxic culture at play.

“Our focus remains on delivering for the community, ensuring that council members uphold the standards expected of them and creating a positive and collaborative working environment,” she said.

“We will take all necessary steps to support council members’ concerns that were expressed during the investigation, to ensure respectful interactions in the future.

“In all organisations there are differences in opinions and different ideas are expressed. We need to move forward and focus on delivering for our community.”

Councillor Jane Davey. Picture: Burnside council

Councillor Lilian Henschke. Picture: Burnside council

The report into Ms Davey, who has been involved in three prior breaches of conduct and behaviour standards, said she should be “put on notice” any substantiated repeated misbehaviour would result in a referral to the Behavioural Standards Panel.

It’s alleged Ms Davey publicly criticised Ms Henschke’s work ethic and spread a rumour she sent text messages to her husband “for advice” during council meetings.

Ms Davey was also alleged to have made an outburst during a workshop that she did not wish to be lectured by Ms Henschke, and laughed in a “mocking” manner at Ms Hensckhe during a council meeting.

Eight councillors substantiated claims Ms Davey “arguably” bullied Ms Hensckhe following a $21,648 investigation by the legal firm.

Originally published as Whole Burnside council to undergo behavioural training after report finds bullying, toxic culture