Jack Hudson

GAWLER Council chief executive Henry Inat has been cleared of bullying and harassment allegations following a lengthy investigation.

Staff had responded to a union survey earlier this year claiming they had felt ‘worthless’ and ‘intimidated’ by Mr Inat, which sparked the investigation.

Commercial law firm Piper Alderman completed the independent investigation and council considered its findings at its November 3 special council meeting.

Council’s development, environment and regulatory services manager Ryan Viney was acting chief executive for matters relating to the allegations and the independent investigation.

Following the findings of the investigation, Mr Inat said he was “pleased” with its outcome.

“I am pleased that the independent investigation has found there was no substance to the concerns raised in the union survey,” he said.

“I look forward to and remain committed to continuing my leadership of council’s administration and acting in the best interests of Gawler’s ratepayers.”

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said council is “committed to providing a safe work environment”.

“The investigation conducted by Piper Alderman has concluded that allegations of bullying, harassment or inappropriate behaviour by the CEO were unfounded,” she said.

“Council is committed to providing a safe work environment for all staff.

“When the allegations were made in a union survey, council sought an independent investigation into the matter.

“Council has clear policies setting expectations for staff conduct and the process for making a complaint.

“Piper Alderman has conducted an extensive investigation, providing all staff with an opportunity to confidentially express their views and concerns.

“As a result, it found that some council staff are concerned by the enterprise bargaining process that commenced in mid-2019, and is still under way.

“Piper Alderman has provided recommendations specifically around this bargaining process that council’s executive team will now review.”