Damian Hale has resigned from his AWU job — a week before front page story
The AUSTRALIAN Worker’s Union NT organiser Damian Hale has resigned from his job but the union has said it has nothing to do with the controversy surrounding him at the Palmerston Raiders Rugby League club.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The AUSTRALIAN Workers’ Union NT organiser Damian Hale has resigned from his job.
The AWU Queensland branch secretary Steve Baker said they received Mr Hale’s resignation on Friday March 22.
Mr Baker said the reasons cited for the resignation were not related to an NT News article published in March 28 which quoted his comments in a Palmerston Raiders Rugby League Club executive Facebook messenger group chat where he talked about treatment of topless women at a strip club as part of the fallout from another NT News article on a Liquor Licensing judgment on the behaviour at the club’s Mad Monday at Sinsations strip joint in 2017 which was published on March 25.
“His resignation was prior to the union having any knowledge of the article or the incidents contained within the article,” Mr Baker said.
“He cited other reasons on why he wanted to resign which were non-controversial reasons and we accepted his resignation.”
When contacted yesterday to confirm if he was no longer working for the union, Mr Hale said he was on leave until April 8.
IN OTHER NEWS
• OFFER ENDS TODAY! NT News subscription special offer: $1 for 28 days
Mr Baker confirmed Mr Hale had pre-booked leave until April 8.
Mr Hale resigned from his role with the football club after a message was leaked showing the former Labor member for Solomon ask the question: “Is there really an appropriate way to treat a woman with her top off?”
He resigned from the club on the same day saying it was ‘due to the short-sightedness of some members”.
Mr Hale said he was on leave from his job as a Palmerston alderman until April 8.
Watch now: NTFL Round 16 Saints v PINT women
The PINT women are flying high still undefeated, but is this the game where second placed St Mary’s finally get one over them? Watch the match LIVE here from 12.30pm.
Olive branch between insurer, private hospital operator to save patients cash
A healthcare feud which affected more than 50,000 Territorians has ended with a temporary agreement that will help keep private health in the Territory ‘affordable’. Find out more.