Robert Doyle complainant demands to see report at council meeting

A woman who claims she was sexually harassed by Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle has fronted a council meeting and demanded to view the final report.

A woman who claims she was sexually harassed by Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle has fronted a council meeting and demanded to view the final report.

An alleged sexual assault victim of former Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle has confronted Town Hall’s chief executive at a council meeting, demanding to view the final report into the harassment inquiry into Mr Doyle.

Kharla Williams, who said she was touched inappropriately by Mr Doyle while at a Melbourne Health black-tie dinner with her husband in 2016, said she had a right to view the secret report prepared by Ian Freckleton QC.

DOYLE COMPLAINANT RAISES QUESTIONS

BOMBSHELL REPORT ON DOYLE FINALISED

2019 BUDGET: LIVE UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS

“I was sexually assaulted by the former lord mayor and I have a right to read this report,’’ Ms Williams said.

Last year, four adverse findings of misconduct were made against Mr Doyle for allegedly groping fellow councillors Tessa Sullivan, who first blew the scandal open, and Cathy Oke. Ms Sullivan soon after quit the council.

Mr Doyle has denied all the claims. He resigned his mayoralty in February last year, two months after the scandal emerged.

Last year four adverse findings of misconduct were made against Mr Doyle for allegedly groping fellow councillors

Chief executive Justin Hanney said he alone at Town Hall had read the final Freckleton report.

The report would be presented to a special council meeting once Victoria Police had completed its investigations, Mr Hanney said.

“If it gets put into the public domain it may have implications for any trial,’’ he said.

“I want nothing more than to provide Ms Williams with a copy of the report.

“We too are frustrated by the process.’’

Lord Mayor Sally Capp advised Ms Williams to resolve the issue “party to party” rather than in a public meeting.

“We are very mindful of ensuring there any legal proceedings, criminal proceedings, are not impacted by our actions,’’ Cr Capp said.

Kharla Williams is one of several women to accuse former Lord Mayor Robert Doyle of sexual assault. Picture: Sarah Matray

In a terse exchange, Ms Williams offered to sign a confidentiality agreement and read the document in Mr Hanney’s presence. This was refused.

“I want to get on with my life and my family wants to get on with my life,’’ she said.

“This is to my mental state and a right (to view the report).’’

Ms Williams said the cost of speaking out against sexual misconduct was still too high for victims.

Mr Hanney confirmed a confidential payout had been made to another council employee over sexual harassment allegations.

But when Ms Williams asked if another staff member received a similar payout, Mr Hanney said: “Not that I’m aware of and I’m certainly not at liberty to discuss.’’

@IanRoyall

[e-mail]