Embattled Burnside councillor Jane Davey bullied fellow councillor in fourth breach, investigation finds
An explosive report has found an Adelaide councillor has victimised and humiliated a fellow elected member – the fourth time she’s breached standards.
A councillor has been urged to resign and “take accountability” after she allegedly left a colleague in tears following an “uncalled for” attack during a behaviour workshop, an independent legal investigation has found.
Embattled Burnside councillor Jane Davey, who has been involved in three prior breaches of conduct and behaviour standards, has been “put on notice that any further substantiated repeated misbehaviour” will result in a referral to the Behavioural Standards Panel.
It’s alleged Ms Davey publicly criticised fellow councillor Lilian Henschke’s work ethic and spread a rumour she sent text messages to her husband “for advice” during council meetings.
Ms Davey was also alleged to have made an outburst during a workshop that she did not wish to be lectured by Ms Henschke, and laughed in a “mocking” manner at Ms Hensckhe during a council meeting.
Eight councillors were interviewed during a $21,648 investigation by Sparke Helmore Lawyers into a complaint about Mr Davey’s behaviour that substantiated claims she “arguably” bullied Ms Henschke.
“Jane raised her voice, and everyone heard it in the workshop,” one said. “After the outburst, which was uncalled for, I said to Lilian who was crying that she may need to leave the workshop. Jane’s behaviour was not OK’.”
“I recall the incident. Jane said to Lilian something like ‘it’s good to see you here, it’s not like you do much else’.” another said.
The report found Ms Davey told colleagues she had “heard the rumour” Ms Henschke was obtaining advice from her husband by sending him texts during council meetings.
It comes after a separate investigation – also involving Ms Davey – cost council $15,000 in 2023.
The Local Burnside Residents group said Ms Davey’s “undeniable pattern of behaviour” had caused significant disruption within council, and urged the councillor “to step down.”
Documents reveal Ms Davey admitted she made a comment to Ms Henschke regarding her lack of attendance at information sessions, but denied it being an “outburst”.
“Ms Henschke was challenged about her patently and obviously poor attendance at workshops/information sessions,” she said.
Sparke Helmore Lawyers, who were engaged by council to investigate the complaint, concluded “a reasonable person would consider the substantiated allegations may cause Ms Henschke to experience distress”.
“The behaviour could reasonably be considered to be distressing, victimising, or humiliating,” the report said.
They recommended additional behavioural training and counselling be provided to Ms Davey, and put her on notice further substantiated “repeated misbehaviour” toward Ms Henschke would result in a referral to the Behavioural Standards Panel.
As part of the investigation, Sparke Helmore recommended additional training for all other counsellors as well, after they found other instances of “bullying” within the “toxic” council.
“Consistent evidence was provided that ‘speaking up’ about inappropriate behaviours often resulted in victimisation by the alleged ‘bullies’,” they said.
In a meeting scheduled for Tuesday night, council will determine the next steps in addressing the allegations.
Ms Davey has been contacted for comment.
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Originally published as Embattled Burnside councillor Jane Davey bullied fellow councillor in fourth breach, investigation finds
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