Susie O’Brien: Emma Page-Campbell’s denials disappointing

FOR too long women raising serious complaints of sexual harassment have been told they’ve misread the situation. What a disappointment to see such comments come from another woman, writes Susie O’Brien.

FOR too long women raising serious complaints of sexual harassment have been told they’ve misread the situation.

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They’re over reacting.

They’re too sensitive.

They’re told the harasser is just a friendly guy.

What’s a pat or two among pals?

What a disappointment today to see such comments come from another woman.

Former Lord Mayor Robert Doyle’s wife Emma Page-Campbell continues to insist her husband is guilty of nothing more than amiable behaviour.

In fact, she went out of her way today to point out that only one of eight allegations from former councillor Tessa Sullivan was upheld and was nonetheless disputed by her husband.

Emma Page-Campbell continues to insist her husband, Robert Doyle, is guilty of nothing more than amiable behaviour. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Her statement — no doubt reflecting the views of her husband, who remains seriously ill in hospital — is a breathtaking denial of a report into Mr Doyle by QC Ian Freckelton.

Four adverse findings against Mr Doyle have not been enough for his camp to acknowledge the serious sexual harassment has taken place.

What a pity. The more Mr Doyle denies the allegations despite evidence they are warranted, the more he continues to call his accusers liars.

Ms Page-Campbell admits her husband’s behaviour “no longer be appropriate by today’s standards” but denied it was sexually inappropriate.

Her husband wasn’t a harasser; he was “cheerful” and “animated”, she insisted.

And yet Freckelton’s findings are extremely serious. He found Mr Doyle touched the breast of another former councillor, Tessa Sullivan. And he inappropriately touched the thigh of another councillor, Cathy Oke and tried to embrace her on another occasion.

Councillor Cathy Oke. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Former City of Melbourne councillor Tessa Sullivan. Picture: Aaron Francis

Mr Doyle’s penchant for somewhat friendly behaviour after he’s had a few reds is well known. What’s not been as well understood is the way this makes him treat the women he works with.

Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said the findings, which state the substantial consumption of red wine has been a significant factor in Mr Doyle’s behaviour, would lead to a review of its alcohol and drug policy.

Mr Wood on Tuesday apologised to Oke and Sullivan, but no apology has been forthcoming from Mr Doyle and his wife.

Oke tearfully told the council meeting today she had avoided reporting the abuse out of fear.

“Women don’t speak out because we fear that if the wrong person is unwittingly spoken to, it could mean a leak, a breach of confidentiality, a breach of trust and ultimately information in the hands of their accused and a powerful network,” she said.

That network is still operating today, driven by men like Mr Doyle who seem incapable of understanding what he did, and the effect it had on women he worked with.

Mr Doyle may be a “broken man” but he’s also a man in deep denial.

Rather than focus on the effect this process has had on him, we should look at the effect it’s had on his accusers. Sullivan, for one, felt she had no choice but to resign when she raised the complaints.

Ms Page-Campbell said Mr Doyle “is sorry for any misunderstanding”.

This is very different from being sorry for what he did.

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