Alleged victim claims Melbourne City council pressure in secret Robert Doyle report

Complainant in sexual harrassment investigation against former lord mayor says Melbourne City Council will consider releasing report if she tells Victoria Police not to press charges.

A bombshell report on sexual harassment allegations against former lord mayor Robert Doyle has been finalised.

Alleged victim Kharla Williams is fighting Melbourne City Council for the release of the secret report by Ian Freckelton, QC, which was completed last week.

Ms Williams was sent a legal letter on behalf of the council nine days ago stating it would consider releasing the report “upon confirmation from Victoria Police that no charges will be laid in respect of your complaint (against Mr Doyle)”.

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Ms Williams said she felt she was being given an ultimatum.

“I am shocked,” she said.

“The advice seems that they will consider releasing the report if I instruct Victoria Police that no charges be laid.

“That doesn’t help other victims and it weakens the investigation.

“I am really stuck.”

Kharla Williams says she felt she was given an ultimatum by the council. Picture: Sarah Matray

The Sunday Herald Sun raised Ms Williams’ concerns with MCC which provided a response, but did not directly address claims of an ultimatum.

Meanwhile, Mr Doyle was on Saturday seen leaving his inner-city home and driving off in his car.

Mr Doyle has previously denied any wrongdoing, but cited poor health for not giving evidence to the inquiry into Ms Williams’ claims.

It is believed he was in hospital for some time after it was revealed in February that police were investigating allegations against him.

“If he set an example for others and acknowledged the fault and apologised, it would make a difference and I would be more inclined to withdraw my police statement,” Ms Williams said.

“If he doesn’t apologise, I think more women will go to police.”

Mr Doyle allegedly touched Ms Williams on the inner thigh during a Melbourne Health black-tie dinner she attended with her psychiatrist husband in 2016.

Robert Doyle leaving his inner-city home on Saturday. Picture: Sarah Matray

The real estate agent reported the matter to Victoria Police last month after criticising the council for not resolving the matter.

A City of Melbourne spokeswoman said on Saturday that Dr Freckelton’s findings could be made public when the police investigation is completed.

“It was at all times a matter for Ms Williams to decide on her legal options, including whether to report her allegations to Victoria Police,” she said.

“The City of Melbourne did not advise Ms Williams on the impact of involving the police on the investigation being undertaken on behalf of the council by Dr Freckelton, QC.

“It was not the city’s role to do so.”

Last year, four adverse findings involving misconduct were made against Mr Doyle for allegedly groping councillors Tessa Sullivan and Cathy Oke.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed detectives were investigating two “historic alleged sexual assault matters”.

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