Ambulance Victoria senior boss Mick Stephenson stood down over claims of inappropriate behaviour

One of Ambulance Victoria’s most senior bosses has been stood down over allegations of inappropriate behaviour at an industry event.

One of Ambulance Victoria’s most senior bosses has been stood down over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Executive director of clinical operations Mick Stephenson was stood down after an internal investigation was launched over an alleged ­incident at a national industry event.

The Herald Sun has been told concerns were raised about Mr Stephenson’s behaviour at the annual Council of Ambulance Authorities meeting in Sydney.

Mr Stephenson is one of the organisation’s most senior figures, and is responsible for statewide emergency ambulance operations of advanced life support and MICA paramedics.

He was one of two employees stood down over the alleged incident.

Ambulance Victoria refused to answer specific questions about the incident or rule out suggestions that separate complaints had been made about Mr Stephenson.

However, the Herald Sun understands it is not of a sexual nature.

Ambulance Victoria‘s Mick Stephenson (centre) has been stood down. Picture: Zizi Averill

“As an emergency health service dedicated to serving and leading the community, Ambulance Victoria sets the highest standards of professionalism for our employees,” Ambulance Victoria chief executive Tony Walker said.

“Two employees have been stood down pending investigation of allegations of inappropriate behaviour at a recent industry event. One of these employees has since left Ambulance Victoria.

“Our investigation is continuing. It is not appropriate to comment further at this time.”

It comes just weeks after Mr Stephenson was named in a Federal Circuit Court lawsuit against Ambulance Victoria by former senior manager Tracey Tobias.

Ms Tobias has brought the landmark action against the service, claiming she suffered sexist and discriminatory treatment by management, including Mr Stephenson.

Ambulance Victoria sources, speaking anonymously, accused Mr Stephenson of contributing to the organisation’s toxic culture.

Sources close to Mr Stephenson said they believed he was being used as a scapegoat.

“Mick is one of the hardest-working people in Ambulance Victoria,” one former employee said.

“He’s given his best to Ambulance Victoria. It’s a shame people are now slinging mud.”