Wagga council general manager Alan Eldridge has apologised for a series of allegedly aggressive outbursts at the airport on Tuesday morning, but will not resign.
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Thirteen months after Mr Eldridge became the city’s highest ranking public servant, he admitted on Friday to letting the community down by standing over former councillor Julian McLaren and berating him for criticising council’s management of the airport.
Mayor Greg Conkey moved to close the book on the saga, declaring Mr Eldridge’s “contriteness” and willingness to make a public apology was enough to atone for the public tirade that scared onlookers.
The mayor sought the counsel of workplace lawyers, who advised him the airport stoush was not grounds for dismissal.
Mr Eldridge will not be punished, but “all documentation” collected in the three-day inquiry will be recorded in his personal file.
Mr Eldridge denied he was involved in bullying, going as far as saying he’d “never been accused of bullying anyone before”, but conceded he “should not have commenced the discussion”.
However, the embattled bureaucrat admitted he had not apologised to the victim of his
“I'm deeply sorry for what happened and extend my sincerest apologies to those present and all residents of local government area,” Mr Eldridge said.
“I understand I've let the community down, let councillors and staff down and also let my family down.
“I have very high expectations of all staff and I have broken those standards.
“I'd like to reiterate to the community council does not tolerate bullying or harrassment at any level.”
However, Mr Eldridge admitted he has not apologised to the victim of his ourtburst – Mr McLaren.
Mayor Conkey described the stoush as “regrettable”, “unbecoming of a general manager” and emphasised council’s rejection of bullying.
“This is a serious matter, do not shy away from that,” Cr Conkey said.
“I am convinced the general manager has learned from this.”
Mr McLaren said he was not asked for his version of events, nor was he asked to hand over a copy of his voice recording, claiming the inquiry was “not as robust as it could have been”.
“I'm not sure whether a proper investigation was conducted,” Mr McLaren said.
“I hope what I have done will strengthen others subject to bullying, so they know they can come forward to help make Wagga a better place.”
Mr McLaren conceded should Mr Eldridge ever wish to apologise personally, he would not answer the call.