AOC Media Director Mike Tancred cleared of bullying

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Media Director Mike Tancred has been cleared of a bullying allegation but will be "severely reprimanded" for his conduct towards the AOC's former Chief Executive Fiona de Jong.

Complaints by de Jong that she was threatened by Tancred prior to her resignation from the AOC sparked a series of accusations about bullying in the lead-up to the AOC Presidential vote last month.

An independent committee made up of three former judges looking into the Tancred's behaviour found he did not bully de Jong, but engaged in disreputable conduct.

A statement from the AOC advised "the sanction determined by the independent committee is that Mr Tancred be severely reprimanded for his conduct, which will form part of his employment record.

"The independent committee will continue investigations into separate complaints which have been made by other persons against Mr Tancred … [who] will remain stood down."

The committee found the conduct in question did not "rise to the level of 'bullying' because it was not repetitive conduct against Ms de Jong".

Two of the independent inquiry members — former High Court judge Ian Callinan and former Supreme Court judge Greg James — will continue into the separate complaints against Tancred, but former High Court judge Sue Crennan will no longer be part of the committee because she is unavailable.

Tancred stood down from his position on 26th April following allegation made by de Jong that he made threats to her while she was AOC Chief Executive.

Her allegation triggered a series of accusations from former AOC employees and concerns among athletes and sports about the culture of the organisation.

Tancred's move to step aside occurred during the build-up to the AOC presidential vote on 6th May, which saw the incumbent John Coates retain his position despite the challenge of Danni Roche.

The AOC said in its statement announcing the committee's findings that it was "committed to an independent review into workplace practices to ensure the best possible environment for our staff".

Image: Mike Tancred at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

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