EY Partner Suspended for Alleged Sexual Harassment
It has come to light that the managing partner of EY in South Australia was suspended amid allegations of sexual harassment. Don Manifold had worked at EY since 2015 and was suspended on 19 January 2018. His suspension prompted the CEO to warn EY’s 540 partners about appropriate behaviour in the workplace. The claimant was herself suspended in December of 2017 after someone alleged she had behaved inappropriately at work. The present matter, which was open as at Tuesday 27 January 2018, is complicated by the personal relationship the pair had but which they had failed to declare. Tony Johnson, the chief executive of EY Oceania, said, “It is likely that the investigation will identify breaches of EY’s Code of Conduct and policies by both people”. In February EY was named one of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s 120 “leaders in workplace gender equality”.
KPMG Partner Leaves after Breaching Sexual Harassment Policy
A KPMG partner from South Australia has left the firm after being found to have breached the company rules regarding sexual harassment. The CEO of KPMG, Gary Wingrove, warned staff of the firm’s zero-tolerance policy. In that statement he said that, “KPMH fully investigated and promptly addressed the matter. The individual responsible no longer works for the firm. KPMG is committed to providing a safe workplace for our people. We do not tolerate sexual harassment.
Code of Conduct to Effect Cultural Change in Live Performance Venues
Live Performance Australia has drafted a code of conduct in an effort to prevent workplace discrimination, harassment and bullying. Once in force, the code will apply to all staff – full-time and casual – and people who audition across its 400 member organisations, which include theatre companies, producers and venues. Employers of these venues will need to take all reasonable steps to prevent such behaviour and respond adequately. The chief executive of Live Performance Australia said this move was meant to “drive cultural change”, in light of allegations that had arisen from shows produced by member companies, the Sydney Theatre Company and Gordon Frost Organisation. The draft code will be discussed with peak arts bodies, including the Australia Council and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.