CIS Statement

A former employee of the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) has made complaints against the former Executive Director of the CIS, which have been reported in the media.

The CIS emphasises that it considers sexual harassment completely unacceptable.  It has policies in place to prevent sexual harassment and address complaints, which have been followed.

The CIS rejects any suggestion of a “cover-up”.  Employee confidentiality, “without prejudice” communications and legal proceedings limit what can be said in public; however, the CIS endeavours to be as open and transparent as possible.

Actions taken by the CIS include:

• The CIS accepting the former employee’s complaint without dispute, noting the former Executive Director denied the allegations. The CIS maintained confidentiality while the matter was dealt with.
• With the former employee’s agreement and involvement, it was agreed to resolve the complaint without formal investigation.
• The CIS promptly offered counselling and discretionary paid leave to the former employee. She was not instructed to work from home but was given the choice of doing so.
• Subsequently, the former employee decided to resign from the CIS and asked for a lump sum exit payment which the CIS agreed to pay. The CIS understandably would have preferred, but ultimately did not insist on, an agreement that would have precluded the former employee speaking about her complaint.
• The CIS believes it has complied with all requirements of the agreed resolution with both the former employee and the former Executive Director, including that he would step down from his position as Executive Director and cease to have a management responsibility for staff, but would instead remain with the organisation as a Senior Fellow. The agreed resolution did not involve any duress. The former employee was legally represented.  Suggestions that the CIS could or should have done more are suggestions that would have run counter to what was agreed with the former employee.
• The CIS denies many of the allegations that were made by the former employee in the Sydney Morning Herald article of 8 August.  In particular, there has been no victimisation of, or retaliation against, the former employee.
• The CIS regrets it is in this situation and will continue to do all it reasonably can to resolve it.