Guide Dogs boss Karen Hayes stood down after Josh Frydenberg support
Guide Dogs Victoria chief Karen Hayes has been stood down after she shared her support for Josh Frydenberg’s re-election campaign while holding a puppy.
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Guide Dogs Victoria chief Karen Hayes has been stood down after publicly endorsing federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
Under Australian charity and not-for-profit regulations, charities must not “promote or oppose a political party or a candidate for political office” – or risk deregistration.
In a pamphlet distributed to Kooyong residents, a puppy- holding Ms Hayes outlined why she was supporting Mr Frydenberg in his re-election campaign.
“Time and time again, Josh has shown his genuine care for Guide Dogs Victoria and the people with low vision and blindness we serve,” Ms Hayes is quoted as saying.
Guide Dogs Victoria launched an investigation into the matter last week.
“Guide Dogs Victoria can confirm that CEO Karen Hayes been stood down pending an independent investigation, following the distribution of political materials that included comments from the CEO purporting to be on behalf of Guide Dogs Victoria and publicly endorsing a political candidate,” the organisation said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The board had no knowledge of this and did not endorse it.
“The independent investigation is underway and is ongoing. The purpose of the investigation is to understand what happened and ensure it never happens again.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation is continuing.”
The Herald Sun has been told action to remove Ms Hayes from the top role was taken by the organisation’s board last week.
A spokesperson for Guide Dogs Victoria refused to comment on the claims when contacted on Monday.
Mr Frydenberg last week hit out at the “confected outrage” over the promotional material.
“You see, my political opponents are running around spreading lies about community involvement,” he said.
“And the reality is, I’ve been delivering for my community in a way they never have, and never could. It’s an inconvenient truth for the fake independents that I’m receiving public recognition from community organisations that I’ve helped substantially over more than a decade. It’s confected outrage.”
Following Guide Dogs Victoria’s announcement a spokesperson for Mr Frydenberg shared a statement.
“Today’s news is extremely disappointing. Ms Hayes has been a highly effective and widely respected CEO of Guide Dogs Victoria for more than a decade.
“In this time, she has significantly strengthened the organisation, its finances and community outreach.
“Josh has worked closely with Ms Hayes and Guide Dogs Victoria over many years in his capacity as the Member for Kooyong, including on major infrastructure projects.
“He will await the outcome of the Guide Dog’s internal processes before commenting further.”
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Originally published as Guide Dogs boss Karen Hayes stood down after Josh Frydenberg support
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