Jeff Kennett: Common sense is the best way forward

IT’S becoming hard to negotiate a changed social landscape so the best way forward is to rely on our common sense, writes Jeff Kennett.

TO AVOID any misunderstanding, let me say from the start that inappropriate behaviour is unacceptable, whether it’s male to female, female to male, old to young ... it’s wrong in any form.

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EX-MAYOR EYES OFF VACANT TOWN HALL ROLE

But what constitutes inappropriate behaviour and how society separates appropriate from inappropriate is complex and, at times, fraught. We are not dealing with a perfectly balanced environment but instead the complexities of people, community expectations, home, social and work environments and the impact of power imbalances.

Currently the community is focusing on inappropriate behaviour of a physical or sexual nature but the definition should include bullying and other forms of oppression and discrimination.

Where the lines become blurred is when actions which might be intended as courting, flirting or making one’s affection or admiration known become inappropriate. Because we spend so much time at work, it is not surprising relationships develop there. Some become partnerships and many marry.

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Emma Page-Campbell with her husband Robert Doyle. Picture: Nicole Garmston

What is unacceptable in the workplace, or anywhere, are persistent approaches if the initial approaches are rejected; where there is aggressive physical contact from someone who knows that contact is not wanted; when a person uses their position to secure favours or to exert pressure. Predatory behaviour is unacceptable anywhere, anytime.

But few people are predators, so before we tie up society in knots, we need a firm definition of what is inappropriate as opposed to flirtatious or innocent interaction.

Common sense is the best place to start. If there is a kiss on the cheek or a hand on a knee and that approach is rejected, a second approach is unacceptable. But if the person, having been rejected, withdraws, is the first offence reportable? Is it a sacking offence?

People must feel comfortable in saying no, confident their response will be respected and that they will be supported if a complaint is made. And people must accept personal responsibility perhaps more than we do now.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and Jeff Kennett at the Men of Melbourne lunch in 2015.

My wife Felicity and I attended a community function years ago and a man asked her to dance. He asked the band to play a slower song and then put his hands on Felicity’s back. But as they danced, he moved his hands and touched her chest.

Felicity’s response was to drive her elbows into his stomach and chest. The man, who was showing off to his mates, quickly stopped grinning and Felicity delivered some sharp words as well. Was it reportable? What was the point? He overstepped the mark. Felicity responded. End of incident.

Of course there could have been a variety of ways the situation could have played out if Felicity had been less assertive or if the man had been in a position of authority.

Regarding the investigation into Robert Doyle, I do not know all the facts. I have known Doyle for decades and I believe he is not predatory by nature. In my experience he is intelligent, entertaining and has been an outstanding Lord Mayor and a fine chairman of Melbourne Health.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy. Picture: AAP

But I believe he has been publicly tried before the inquiry completed its investigations. Health Minister Jill Hennessy launched an independent inquiry into Doyle’s behaviour over 10 years after one complaint made against him from someone in the network he chaired. If Hennessy launched a full independent inquiry into every subject of a professional complaint in the hospital system, there might be nobody left to treat us.

Doyle was appointed in 2007 to be chairman of Melbourne Health, which includes the administration of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, by a Labor government. He was reappointed by both Liberal and Labor governments.

Again, I do not condone inappropriate behaviour, but we need a reality check. If someone makes a complaint, are we going to assume it is accurate and vilify the accused before any investigation is completed?

Perhaps the greatest good from the publicity this issue has attracted is that many of us are reflecting on our behaviour. I know I am.

We have this opportunity to reflect and to be more respectful. I hope people will accept more responsibility for their conduct and confront those whose behaviour is unacceptable.

But I believe a kiss, a hug, a display of affection is not inappropriate until it is rejected and then repeated.

Doyle has stood down from his public positions, with the findings of the investigations into the allegations against him delayed due to his ill health

Jeff Kennett and Robert Doyle in January 2010.

But three things I do know. Doyle is not a predator. He has run the biggest public hospital in Victoria with compassion and professionalism, with the confidence of both sides of politics. Finally, he has been an excellent Lord Mayor. He is passionate about our city and has been innovative while leading a united council for nine years.

Should the investigation into Doyle find a charge against him to be proven, we must all accept that. Until then Robert, like everyone else, is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

Either way, we have lost a very good public servant.

So how do we negotiate this modern social maze? Let common sense be our guide. We should know what is right and wrong. Where there is abuse we have a legal system to protect the abused.

I urge anyone with a genuine grievance to come forward so our society can learn, move forward and get on with enjoying our lives.

Have a good day.

JEFF KENNETT IS A FORMER PREMIER OF VICTORIA

@jeff_kennett