Former premier Jeff Kennett accepts sexual harassment findings against former lord mayor Robert Doyle

FORMER premier Jeff Kennett has accepted the sexual harassment findings made against ex-lord mayor Robert Doyle. But Mr Kennett is still facing criticism from an alleged Doyle victim.

FORMER premier Jeff Kennett has accepted the sexual harassment findings against Robert Doyle.

Mr Kennett has been attacked on social media after last month saying Mr Doyle was the victim of a “political witch hunt”, and was “not a predator”.

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“Carla”, a third alleged victim of Mr Doyle, tweeted Mr Kennett saying his views on inappropriate behaviour were archaic, and it was not always possible for women being harassed to “say no”.

“Carla” has alleged Mr Doyle groped her in 2016 at a Melbourne Health dinner, which she attended with her medical specialist husband.

Mr Kennett said on Thursday he accepted “without reservation or qualification” the findings against Mr Doyle by a City of Melbourne investigation into allegations by former councillor Tessa Sullivan and Greens councillor Cathy Oke.

Jeff Kennett has accepted the sexual harassment findings against Robert Doyle. Picture: Adam Head

The former beyondblue chairman said he had based his previous comments that Mr Doyle was not a predator on his own experience of the former lord mayor.

“I’ve never seen him do anything that’s wrong. You can’t be blamed for making a comment based on your own observation. I’ve never seen him touch a woman,” he said.

Mr Kennett said some behaviour by men towards women was obviously inappropriate, and some was “just an affectionate play”.

Former lord mayor Robert Doyle and former councillor Tessa Sullivan.

“If the person receiving the affectionate play doesn’t agree it’s an affectionate play, and says stop it, then anything that follows that is absolutely inappropriate,” he said.

However, “Carla” told the Herald Sun the focus should be on the individual crossing boundaries, especially if there was a power differential.

“The spotlight should be on the fact that if you’re in a position of power or have a public profile, there should be a common standard how you treat others,” she said.

“This is common sense and applies to everyone.”

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Cr Cathy Oke (right) is hugged by Cr Susan Riley at a city council meeting this week.

“Carla” also gave evidence to the council inquiry into Mr Doyle, but no findings were made on her claims because the former lord mayor has been too ill to be interviewed by investigators.

She said she was relieved there was a resolution for Ms Sullivan and Cr Oke, but felt frustrated her inquiry was in limbo, adding “it could’ve been better handled”.

“Carla” said she was now seeking closure from a separate state Health Department probe into the Melbourne Health claims, which Mr Doyle has denied.

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