By Jon Pierik, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan
Essendon have come to a settlement with their short-lived former CEO Andrew Thorburn, apologising to the ex-NAB chief and donating an undisclosed amount to an ethics institute.
The Bombers announced the agreement on Tuesday afternoon. Thorburn will not receive any money from the club.
Andrew Thorburn and the Bombers have come to a settlement.Credit: Jamie Brown
Thorburn resigned in October after a day in the job when the Bombers gave him the choice between keeping his role as chairman of City on a Hill church or remaining Essendon CEO.
Thorburn’s church’s views on social issues and inclusion had not been the issue for the club, but holding the leadership position of the church was deemed untenable if he were to be CEO of Essendon.
“The board made clear that, despite these not being views that Andrew Thorburn has expressed personally and that were also made prior to him taking up his role as chairman, he couldn’t continue to serve in his dual roles at the Essendon Football Club and as chairman of City on the Hill,” club president David Barham said when Thorburn resigned.
Essendon and Thorburn released a joint statement on Tuesday announcing that their dispute had been resolved.
“A critical element of this resolution is to enable a wider community conversation on the importance of freedom of conscience, religion and belief and how to have respectful dialogue between people with different views and perspectives,” the statement read.
“All people should be respected and welcomed in workplaces and community organisations. No one should have to choose between their faith or sexuality, and their employment. Further, everyone should be able to openly express their personal position, in a respectful way, without fear and still feel that they belong. Genuine diversity and inclusion also includes people of faith.
“The club acknowledges that the events of October [Thorburn’s appointment and departure] should have been handled better and apologises for the impact it had on Mr Thorburn, his family and others.
“Both parties consider that elements of the public commentary at the time were extreme and wrong and counter-productive to the respectful community dialogue they agree is critical.
“Mr Thorburn remains welcome at the club. The club reiterates that he is a person of integrity who treats others, whether at work or elsewhere, with dignity and respect. He has a strong track record of leadership including with respect to diversity and inclusion of LGBTIQ and other minority groups.
“As part of a commitment to genuine diversity and inclusion, and to show leadership in this area, the club has agreed to make a donation to an ethics institute. The institute will prepare an independent paper on how sporting organisations can build inclusive communities recognising freedoms including those relating to race, religion and sexuality.”
The apology and joint statement followed a mediation between Thorburn – who was represented by leading firm Arnold Bloch Leibler – and the Bombers, who wanted to put a full stop on the Thorburn matter and not have it continue into 2023. Club sources said the Dons felt they needed “a clean slate” next year.
Thorburn engaged a lawyer but did not issue any legal proceedings, only going into a mediation with the club.
He expanded on the joint statement with a post on LinkedIn.
“I am pleased it is resolved,” he said. “I would like to thank EFC and wish them well as they seek to build a strong and united club.
“The statement is important – not just because it enables us to resolve the differences between us constructively, but because it affirms some key points of principle about genuine diversity and inclusion and respectful engagement.
“The last few months have been difficult, yet it has also given me hope and strength. This has come from the many people who have reached out to me and provided love, prayers and support through these challenging times. The statement would not have been achieved without the support of many – Kathryn, my wife; our family; my legal team, Michael Borsky KC and Justin Vaatstra (of ABL); Mark Hawthorne (Civic Partnership); the community of City on a Hill; and my friends. Thank you so much.
“Personally, I will be stepping away from all my formal responsibilities at the end of February 2023, and taking a year off. It is time to rest and reflect, and to spend an extended time with those I love.”
Thorburn said when he parted with Essendon that his concern was not about money but principle and that freedom of religion, conscience, thought and association were explicitly recognised as human rights under Victorian law.
“It is troubling that faith or association with a church, mosque, synagogue or temple could render a person immediately unsuited to holding a particular role,” Thorburn said in a statement at the time.
“That is a dangerous idea, one that will only reduce tolerance for others and diversity of thought and participation in our community and workplaces.”
As part of the confidential settlement Thorburn has agreed to drop all legal action.
Before his appointment, Thorburn had presided over a review, with Ernst & Young, of the club’s football operations, administration and culture.
Essendon have since gone on to appoint Craig Vozzo as their next chief executive.
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