Probe into claims of Doyle sex assaults

MELBOURNE’S former lord mayor Robert Doyle is being investigated by police for “historical sexual assault matters”, some of which it’s believed arise from his stint as a teacher in Geelong.

The former state Liberal leader was a teacher at Geelong College between 1978 and 1981, and the private school confirmed yesterday it had informed Victoria Police about complaints that emerged from that era.

Other allegations being tested are said to emerge from Mr Doyle’s time at Melbourne City Hall, which ended last year amid a sexual harassment scandal.

Several women have been interviewed by police in relation to Mr Doyle over the allegations.

Detectives are expected to make a decision on whether to launch a full investigation based on interviews with a number of alleged victims.

“At this time it is only in the preliminary stages and the matter is under assessment,” a police spokeswoman said.

Mr Doyle resigned in February 2018 amid a City of Melbourne inquiry into sexual harassment allegations made against him by former councillor Tessa Sullivan.

Mr Doyle, a former Melbourne Health chairman, was also investigated over allegedly inappropriate behaviour at a Royal Melbourne Hospital dinner in 2016.

It is understood at least one woman reported sexual harassment allegations to police after being “angered” at the inability of the council inquiry to resolve the matter.

“This caused frustrations to arise and from there the complainant decided to go to police,” a source said.

A separate Health Department probe into the hospital dinner claims was unable to be completed due to Mr Doyle’s inability to give evidence because of ill health.

It is believed that Charles Scerri, QC, who conducted the investigation, has regularly contacted Mr Doyle’s lawyers about his availability to be interviewed.

The Geelong Advertiser is not suggesting the allegations are true, only that they have been made and are being investigated. In March 2018, a city council report confirmed four findings against Mr Doyle, including that he touched the breast of Ms Sullivan in the mayoral car.

Two findings relating to sexual harassment involved Greens councillor Cathy Oke, whom Mr Doyle allegedly inappropriately touched on the thigh during a December 2014 dinner.

Mr Doyle and Mr Doyle’s lawyer were contacted for comment but did not respond.