Kennett: Alcohol, hubris probably to blame for alleged Doyle behaviour

Former premier Jeff Kennett says he feels “let down” by Robert Doyle and blames alcohol and hubris for the former lord mayor’s alleged inappropriate behaviour against women, as one of the women behind the allegations reveals why she’s spoken up.

Former premier Jeff Kennett says he feels “let down” and has blamed alcohol and hubris for alleged inappropriate behaviour against women by Robert Doyle.

Mr Kennett, who initially supported the ex-lord mayor, weighed into the issue as real estate agent Kharla Williams became the first woman to publicly identify herself as one of several women who have complained to Victoria Police about Mr Doyle.

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Ms Williams was allegedly touched inappropriately on the thigh at a Melbourne Health dinner in 2016, and said she went to police because investigations by the City of Melbourne and the Health Department could not be resolved.

Ms Williams told ABC Radio she decided to go public after she was offered a ‘confidential outcome’ at a meeting with City of Melbourne chief executive Justin Hanney.

Former lord mayor Robert Doyle.

“Walking out of the meeting, I was shocked. I thought (to myself) I’m not going to be silenced and I’m not going to go away,” she said.

Ms Williams said both City of Melbourne and a Melbourne Health legal representative said it could take 16 months to reach an outcome.

She also says she was told both entities could not compel Mr Doyle to respond.

“I cannot help but feel the Melbourne City Council, Melbourne Health and Robert Doyle, their interests are aligning. They all want this to go away,” she told ABC Radio.

“(I won’t accept) a secret settlement, I’ve never ever wanted any money in this. I have only sought to get justice.”

Ms Williams said she initially felt guilty for raising the issue, where Mr Doyle is alleged to have touched her thigh at a VIP dinner table.

“I did think about the taxpayers and all the time (the dispute) has taken, and that yes, (Robert Doyle) had a job to do,”

“But I went home and thought, why isn’t the pressure on Robert Doyle? I haven’t done anything wrong.”

Ms Williams said police are interviewing other women who indicated similar ‘behaviour and patterns’ from Mr Doyle.

“No one has anything to gain by coming forward and making a statement of assault, particularly of someone who was a lord mayor. It’s not easy,” she said.

“Before you make statements, just appreciate the victim’s perspective. It’s not easy. Coming forward has been the hardest thing to do for my family, employer and career.”

“I’ve had nothing to gain. What I do want is justice, and to effect change.”

Mr Doyle has denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Kennett had initially supported Mr Doyle when claims first surfaced that he had allegedly assaulted former city councillor Tessa Sullivan in 2017, and had allegedly inappropriately touched and kissed Cr Cathy Oke.

“I was supportive of him because I knew him well and never saw these performances,” Mr Kennett told the Herald Sun yesterday

But Mr Kennett said he felt “let down and disappointed”, and “terribly saddened” for the women.

“I am quite convinced it was a combination of alcohol and probably hubris,” he said of the alleged behaviour.

A City of Melbourne spokeswoman said the council had always sought to ensure its investigation proceeded as quickly as possible, having regard to the interests of all parties.

“The City of Melbourne believes that the conduct of the investigation has been beyond reproach in this respect,” she said.

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