Searle is last man standing

CHAIRMAN of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission John Searle (pictured) was the last man standing after his fellow board members quit en masse following the rejection by Attorney-General Robert Clark of their unanimous nomination for commissioner.

Following the resignation of two other board members earlier this month, Carolyn Creswell, Brendon Gale and Paula Gerber all tendered their resignations this week when their choice for the top job was vetoed by the Attorney-General. It’s unclear who the nominee was.

Professor Kuruvilla George also resigned in May 2012 amid controversy surrounding his endorsement of a submission opposing same-sex marriage by Doctors for the Family.

Searle, who was hand-picked by Clark, said he was disappointed at the upheaval.

“I gave the issue some consideration, but I was of the view that I’ve undertaken a commitment to the Commission and to the people of Victoria … it’s my intention to fulfil that commitment,” he said.

The role of commissioner has been vacant since Helen Szoke stepped down in 2011. Karen Toohey has been acting commissioner since that time.

In a joint statement, the resigning board members expressed their disappointment with the decision.

“We see the Attorney-General’s refusal to accept the recommendation of all seven board members as evidence of his lack of confidence in the board’s ability to perform its statutory duty, and therefore consider it appropriate to step aside so that the Attorney can appoint a new board in which he does have confidence,” the statement read, while noting their confidence in the staff to continue with the day-to-day work of the Commission.

Searle echoed this sentiment. “The day-to-day operations of the Commission are not affected by the resignations and the Commission will continue to perform its functions at its customary high level,” he said.

LIVIA ALBECK-RIPKA

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