Hawks ‘not in a crisis’ says Kennett as WorkSafe Victoria launches investigation into racism claims
Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has referred to the findings from his club’s internal review and future AFL investigation over historic racism claims at the Hawks as a “bump along the highway” while stating his club was not in a crisis.
In what’s likely to be his final speech in the role, Kennett, who is set to be succeeded by Peter Nankivell in December, revealed he was “flabbergasted – and worse” when presented with the revelations revealed in the review.
However, the ex-Victorian Premier “(did) not think consider this to be a crisis.”
An ABC report last week revealed testimony, given by ex-indigenous players and their partners, which levelled gravely serious allegations against four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson, then assistant coach Chris Fagan and former welfare director at the club Jason Burt.
“Hawthorn value our employees … equally and we are always trying to improve the support and services that we give our employees,” Kennett said at Hawthorn's best and fairest.
Kennett stressed that the issues in question were in the past, and expressed his wishes that the AFL’s external review by resolved by the conclusion of the years.
“The one thing the investigations showed was that we have a safe cultural workplace now. So these are issues of the past,” he said.
“It could be resolved before the end of the year so people can get on with their lives.”
He also lamented the fact those interviewed in Hawthorn's report spoke to the ABC and made the accusations presented without the chance for natural justice against those accused.
Meanwhile, the Herald Sun is reporting than WorkSafe Victoria has commenced an investigation into the allegations, with professional regulators understood to have seized relevant documents from the club.
WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Dr. Narelle Beer released a statement confirming the investigation and urging witnesses to come forward.
“WorkSafe has commenced investigating the recent allegations relating to the Hawthorn Football Club,” she said, per the Herald Sun.
“WorkSafe is urging anyone who experienced or witnessed health and safety concerns at Hawthorn Football Club to contact WorkSafe to make a statement.
“Every Victorian worker, no matter their cultural background, has the right to a healthy and safe workplace.
“WorkSafe takes allegations of workplace bullying and discrimination very seriously and can take enforcement action when employers fail to protect the mental health of those in their workplace.”
Both Clarkson and Fagan continue to maintain their innocence, but will not coach the Kangaroos and Lions respectively while the AFL’s appointed panel carries out its investigation.