Ex-staffers front Federal Court against their former boss Senator Jacqui Lambie

Senator Jacqui Lambie’s self-represented ex-chief of staff has fronted court, giving evidence the senator “swore profusely”, “bullied” staff and had a drinking problem during his tenure.

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SENATOR Jacqui Lambie’s former chief of staff has told the Federal Court his ex-boss swore profusely, had a problem with alcohol and subjected the office to vile profanities daily.

Rob and Fern Messenger are giving evidence in a remote unfair dismissal trial.

The married couple’s employment with Senator Lambie’s office finished in May 2017 after less than three years in their roles.
Senator Lambie has previously argued Mr Messenger’s claims constituted a public smear campaign by a bitter ex-employee.

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She is vigorously defending her decision to terminate the couples employment as the couple allege to be victims of adverse action and reprisal under the Public Interest Disclosure Act and the Fair Work Act.

Mr Messenger claimed he had documented 77 instances where he exercised his workplace rights and subsequently suffered adverse treatment.

The couple are appearing from their home in North West Tasmania with Justice John Snaden presiding over proceedings from Melbourne.

Mr Messenger, who was the Member for Burnett in Queensland from 2004-2012, told the trial he first met Senator Lambie at Clive Palmer’s residence on the Gold Coast.

He started work as her chief of staff on July 1, 2014.

Senator Jacqui Lambie's chief of staff Rob Messenger in his office at Burnie.

Senator Jacqui Lambie in her office at Burnie in 2014.

Mr Messenger told the court he saw his main role as protecting the Senator, her staff and reputation as she advocated for Tasmanians.

Later that year Senator Lambie broke away from Mr Palmer and became an independent because “the Tasmanian community did not want her to take orders from Queensland”.

“We complained many times about her swearing. It was worse than what I had heard in the military,” Mr Messenger told the court.

“Daily we were exposed to vulgar language. A lot had sexual connotations. We complained to her in a very tense meeting at which we raised other grievances including long work hours and being expected to work through recreational leave.

“It became clear the Senator had a problem with alcohol and we raised that too along with the bullying of a another staff member. She wanted us to terminate that worker’s employment when she was visiting her dying mother in a palliative ward.”

Supplied image of former Lambie staffers, Rob and Fern Messenger.

Mr Messenger said in 2015 the office had received death threats from ISIS, complete with a photograph of a beheading.

Senator Lambie is also taking part in the trial from her Tasmanian home.

Justice Snaden directed the Messengers to try to rely on their memory, not notes, when giving evidence.

“In a normal trial you would enter a witness box with nothing with you,” Justice Snaden said.

“We must try to replicate a normal courtroom environment.”

The Messengers are representing themselves.

“We have both been diagnosed with significant mental illnesses which affect our memory,” Mr Messenger told the court.

The hearing is expected to go for eight days. Senator Lambie will give evidence later this week.