Melbourne‘s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has announced that he will take a one-month leave of absence as accusations of sexual harassment and indecent assault against him are investigated by the Melbourne City Council.
Councillor Tessa Sullivan announced her resignation on Friday afternoon, and per reports in The Age, alleges that during the course of her employment, Doyle groped her breast and made sexually explicit comments to her. A statement released by the council’s media manager read:
“Councillor Tessa Sullivan, a member of Team Doyle, tendered her resignation from council late on Friday, effective immediately. Ms Sullivan stated that she had resigned after herself and other women had experienced repeated sexual harassment which had made their workplace intolerable.”
Robert Doyle released a statement via social media earlier today, saying that he was unaware of the specifics of allegations him, but that he welcomes the investigation and will cooperate fully in order to clear his name. He wrote:
“I am frustrated that I have not been formally provided the specific allegations which have been strategically released to the media which is a denial of natural justice and clearly damaging to my reputation. This is an incredibly distressing time for me and my family.”
He said that he plans to take a month’s leave for the investigation, adding that he is legally represented and that his decision “must not be interpreted as any concession or admission.”
https://twitter.com/LordMayorMelb/status/942210316376535040
