Cleanout at commission

Race relations commissioner Dame Susan Devoy will be leaving the Human Rights Commission amid a staff shake-up.

Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero becomes the acting head of the Human Rights Commission, replacing David Rutherford. Last week, a review by retired Judge Coral Shaw found the commission was unable to provide proper care and support for a sexual harassment victim on its staff.

The review was launched by Justice Minister Andrew Little after

revealed a groping scandal at the commission.

Rutherford, chief commissioner since 2011, was criticised for his part in an ‘‘often unco-operative and unprofessional’’ dynamic between the human rights commissioners.

He has indicated he won’t seek reappointment and said he would leave at the end of June.

Also leaving the commission is Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue. Her term expires in June.

Tesoriero takes on the acting role until new appointments are made.

Dame Susan’s term expired in March and she will leave at the end of June.

Ongoing national and international commitments mean Blue will continue in her role until new commissioners are appointed.

On Friday, Little said the report was ‘‘pretty clear there’s a level of dysfunction at the commissioner level – that could not continue’’.

‘‘Three of the warrants have either expired or will expire very shortly. So it’s time to look further afield and see if we can get some new blood,’’ he said.