Melbourne councillors interviewed over Robert Doyle sexual harassment allegations

MELBOURNE’S councillors have all been interviewed in a probe of sexual harassment claims against Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, as three previous lord mayoral candidates confirm they would consider running if he left Town Hall.

MELBOURNE’S councillors have all been interviewed in a probe of sexual harassment claims against Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.

The lawyer in charge of the investigation, Ian Freckel­ton, QC, confirmed that the last councillors were interviewed on Friday.

The interviews followed the explosive revelation that former councillor Tessa Sullivan had resigned and filed a formal 24-page complaint against Mr Doyle.

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Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has been accused of sexual harassment by ex-councillor Tessa Sullivan. Picture: David Caird

She alleged that he made lewd comments and groped her breast while in the mayoral car this year.

Mr Doyle, who has taken a month’s leave, has said he would fight to clear his name.

Dr Freckelton said it would “remain to be seen” whether former councillors who previously served alongside Mr Doyle would also be interviewed.

“We are in the later phase of the investigation and hoping to speak to the Lord Mayor in early January,” he said.

Dr Freckelton is expected to hand his final report, including recommendations, to Melbourne City Council boss Ben Rimmer late next month.

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Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and businessman Ken Ong, who indicates he may throw his hat in the ring should Mr Doyle depart. Picture: Hamish Blair

It comes as three previous lord mayoral candidates confirm they would consider running if Mr Doyle stood aside or was sacked.

Businessman Ken Ong, who unsuccessfully ran for the job last year after serving as a councillor for eight years, said “it may happen”.

“From a public confidence perspective, some leadership needs to be brought back in,” he said. “It’s a shame this happened and put a lot of good work back.

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“I would only run to bring some order and stability back to council.”

Pollster and serial lord mayoral candidate Gary Morgan said he would “definitely run” but had to “see what will happen” with the investigation first.

Queen Victoria Market advocate Phil Cleary also said he was likely to throw his hat in the ring if the job came up.

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