Former Victorian Greens leader hit by sex discrimination claims

FORMER Victorian Greens Leader Greg Barber has been hit with allegations of sexual discrimination which resulted in a secret settlement with a female staff member.

FORMER Victorian Greens Leader Greg Barber has been hit with allegations of sexual discrimination which resulted in a secret settlement with a female staff member.

A woman who worked in Mr Barber’s office was reportedly paid $56,000 in June last year after she raised the concerns with the party and the Victorian Parliament about her treatment.

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Former Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

The Greens released a statement confirming the dispute but could not release the amount saying the figure was confidential.

“This was an employment matter between Greg Barber and a staff member which went through the appropriate process involving Parliamentary Services, and was resolved with a confidential settlement,” it stated.

“In accordance with due process, the Victorian Greens and party room were not a party to the employment dispute or its settlement, and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Mr Barber has vigorously denied the claims but declined to discuss the matter further.

“I’ve made a commitment to confidentiality in relation to my former employee’s matter and I’m intending to keep the promise I made,” he said.

It is understood an email was sent to state and federal members of the party in September last detailing allegations against Mr Barber.

But the email has recently been circulated more widely after the Batman by-election.

Then Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber speaks at a press conference in 2014. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Mr Barber quit the state Parliament in September 2017 after announcing earlier in the year he would not contest his seat in the Upper House.

It is understood his exit was planned before the allegations had been raised and the payout occurred.

He was replaced by former Moreland councillor Sam Ratnam who was also appointed as the new party leader in Victoria.

Rumours had been circulating about an issue with a staffer in Mr Barber’s office since he left, however the claims had previously been denied.

When he stood down Mr Barber said he had been a politician for 15 years and was leaving politics to go fishing.