Health inquiry into Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has broader powers

THE Health Department investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has the power to look into the full 10 years of his tenure as Melbourne Health chairman.

THE Health Department ­investigation into alleged ­sexual misconduct by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has the power to look into the full 10 years of his tenure as ­Melbourne Health chairman.

The inquiry set up by Health Minister Jill Hennessy will investigate the alleged ­harassment of a woman by Cr Doyle during a Royal ­Melbourne Hospital black-tie dinner in 2016.

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But the inquiry, to be run by Charles Scerri, QC, has an open brief and has been ­designed to accept other submissions if they emerge.

Cr Doyle and his wife, Emma Page-Campbell, were spotted in Melbourne on Thursday, the first time he has been seen in public since the scandal broke on December 16.

Ms Page-Campbell has ­declared her support for her husband in the face of ­mounting accusations.

Emma Page-Campbell with her husband Robert Doyle in Flinders Lane on Thursday. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The dinner incident, where Cr Doyle allegedly rubbed the leg of a woman sitting next to him, is also being examined by Ian Freckelton, QC, who has been conducting the Town Hall investigation for the past four weeks.

It also comes as more complaints of sexual misconduct have been made against Cr Doyle, on the back of accusations by former councillor Tessa Sullivan, councillor Cathy Oke and the unnamed woman at the dinner.

Emma Page-Campbell with her husband Robert Doyle in Flinders Lane on Thursday. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Emma Page-Campbell with her husband Robert Doyle in Flinders Lane on Thursday. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Dr Freckelton confirmed that other complaints had been made. The nature of the new allegations was not known and their veracity was still being investigated.

The Herald Sun believes that one incident put to the ­inquiry was an interaction ­involving council staff during the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington in November.

Dr Freckelton’s inquiry was due to be finalised this week but the latest developments mean it will now be extended, possibly even into next month.

Cr Doyle was elected Lord Mayor in 2008 and has been chairman of Melbourne Health since 2007. Ms Hennessy gained an exemption to the term rules of the chair position to reappoint him for a further three years in mid-2016.

@IanRoyall