BULLYING CLAIMS ROCK NTPFES
A SERIES of serious bullying allegations have been made against acting fireys executive director Mark Spain, just months after Jennifer Reilly was stood down from the role for similar complaints.
Despite Ms Reilly being suspended after the claims made against her, Mr Spain remains in the top job while his claims are investigated.
A spokeswoman for the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services chief executive Reece Kershaw confirmed a complaint had been made.
“Internal complaints are assessed on a case by case basis, the details of which remain confidential between the employer and the employee,” the spokeswoman said.
“All NTPFES staff mem- bers have a right to due process, and as such, we do not provide commentary on any matters regarding individual employees.”
United Voice NT branch secretary Erina Early said it didn’t make sense why Ms Reilly had been stood down but Mr Spain continued to remain in the role.
“It doesn’t make sense at all,” she said. “The allegations against Ms Reilly were of a far less serious nature than those against Mark Spain, yet he continues to enjoy the support of Reece Kershaw.”
Ms Early said the executive level of the NTPFES was “just a boy’s club”.
“They don’t seem to promote or retain female executive members.
“They don’t have women or people from diverse backgrounds,” she said.
“Things need to change. Kershaw is all about diversity within the fire service but he needs to lead from example.
“This is not evident within the NTPFES.”
The spokeswoman for Mr Kershaw confirmed Ms Reilly remained “suspended due to an ongoing investigation” but could not comment further on the matter.
She refused to respond to Ms Early’s suggestion of sexism in the upper management ranks of the fireys, other than to say: “NTPFES is committed to strengthening capability through diversity by being an employer of choice with a reputation for supporting our people to reach their full potential and championing diversity and inclusion.” Acting executive director faces bullying allegations