Melbourne lord mayor on leave after councillor lodges sexual harassment claim

Robert Doyle has taken leave after a ­female councillor levelled alle­gations of sexual harassment and indecent assault.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and Tessa Sullivan in August last year. Picture: David Caird.

Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has taken leave after a ­female councillor levelled alle­gations of sexual harassment and indecent assault against him, prompting an official investi­gation into alleged misconduct.

City councillors said yesterday they were “deeply disturbed” by the allegations against Melbourne’s longest serving mayor, after “Team Doyle” councillor Tessa Sullivan tendered her resignation late on Friday, having lodged an official complaint with the City of Melbourne.

The council’s chief executive, Ben Rimmer, said yesterday the allegations against Mr Doyle ­included “sexual harassment, indecent assault and misconduct”.

The Australian understands the council has a complaint that alleges a number of incidents against more than one alleged victim, and that council has received more than one statement.

In her complaint, Ms Sullivan alleged Mr Doyle grasped her breast in his driver’s car on the way home from Tuesday night drinks after the weekly council meeting, it was reported yesterday. She also alleged that Mr Doyle made sexually explicit comments about oral sex towards her and that the alleged sexual harassment had made the workplace ­“intolerable”.

Mr Doyle was informed of the allegations late yesterday morning and said in a statement he would co-operate with investi­gators to clear his name.

“I am frustrated that I have not been formally provided the specific allegations … which is a denial of natural justice and clearly damaging to my reputation,” he said.

“This is an incredibly distressing time for me and my family.”

He will take leave for one month while the investigation is ongoing, but he stressed the decision to step down temporarily “must not be interpreted as any concession or admission”.

Deputy Mayor Arron Wood will be acting mayor while Mr Doyle is on leave.

“Like all councillors, I am very concerned by the allegations made public today and welcome the independent investigation,” Mr Wood said yesterday.

Ms Sullivan did not respond to request for comment yesterday but in a statement to Fairfax Media said sexual harassment and indecent assault of women was unacceptable.

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“I encourage women in politics to make a stand against such acts,” Ms Sullivan said. “I felt isolated for so long; I hope other women will feel strong enough to come forward, too. There needs to be better system in place to protect women from such violations of safety, and a greater collective effort to ensure that this culture is eradicated.”

City of Melbourne councillor Jackie Watts, who was elected in 2011, said she was deeply disturbed by the reve­lations.

“The reason I’m so deeply disturbed is I have taken responsibility for gender equity matters at the city, trying to drive reform in this area,” said Ms Watts, who has been on sick leave since the beginning of November.

“Any woman in Melbourne would feel appalled and I regret I was not at Town Hall to support my colleagues throughout what must have been a very difficult time.”

Ms Sullivan, a married ­mother of three, is chairwoman of the People City portfolio that covers issues such as family services, homelessness, emergency management and diversity and inclusion. Ms Watts is the deputy chair of this portfolio.

Mr Rimmer said an independent investigation would be conducted by Victorian barrister Ian Freckleton QC.

Mr Doyle, 64, elected lord mayor in November 2008, is the city’s longest-serving mayor.