(ATR) The AOC is commissioning an independent investigation into workplace practices after the scandal that led to media boss Mike Tancred stepping down today.
Tancred quit pending an investigation into bullying allegations, the Australian Olympic Committee said in a statement after a meeting of the executive board on Wednesday. It followed accusations of bullying and threatening behavior made by former CEO Fiona de Jong and other employees.
The AOC said the workplace review would be overseen by the incoming CEO and aimed "to ensure the best possible environment for our staff".
"The AOC supports an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying and will not tolerate behaviors that differ from this standard," it said in a statement.
Tancred’s departure and the decision to launch a probe into the bullying scandal - which has tainted the image of the AOC and president John Coates - may ease the pressure on him and help lift his stuttering campaign to be re-elected.
Olympic hockey gold medalist Danni Roche is standing against him in the May 6 ballot.
Today’s emergency board meeting in Sydney largely focused on discussion of De Jong’s complaint against Tancred.
In a statement, the AOC executive backed up Coates remarks Tuesday that due process had been followed in handling the allegations.
"In December 2016, upon receipt of the initial complaint, it was immediately referred by the president to the AOC’s lawyers in accordance with the AOC’s current policies and procedures, and they have been managing the complaint since," the AOC said.
The AOC agreed to delegate the determination of the complaint to an independent committee "with appropriate experience and ability". The panel will include three senior counsel or retired judges, including at least one female within its membership.
The AOC said it would seek a ruling from the panel within one month of the members appointment.
"The executive expressed confidence that the current AOC proper processes were followed in respect of the complaint by Ms. de Jong," it added in the statement.
Next week, IOC vice president Coates faces the first challenge to his 27-year reign as AOC president.
He has labeled the bullying allegations at the AOC as a "vindictive campaign to damage me personally, and to tarnish all that has been achieved at the AOC".
Homepage photo: Twitter/@AUSOlympicTeam
Reported by Mark Bisson
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