HRC chief commissioner David Rutherford to go following damning report

Friday, 18 May 2018

The Justice Minister will replace Chief Human Rights Commissioner David Rutherford after a damning report into the organisation.

This week, a review by retired Judge Coral Shaw found the Human Rights Commission was unable to provide proper care and support for a sexual harassment victim on its staff.

Minister of Justice Andrew Little said this week he'll be dealing with re-appointments of the commissioners 'as a matter of priority'.

Judge Shaw also said the commissioners had 'often uncooperative and unprofessional' dynamics between them, and recommended they resolve their personal and professional differences, through external mediation if necessary.

The managerial squabbles were affecting employees, who are passionate about their work but 'look forward to a time when the current divisions and tensions are no longer a part of their working lives', Judge Shaw said.

* Human Rights Commission failed following sexual harassment claims - review

* Human Rights Commission finance boss sexually harasses young intern, keeps job**

The 'deep divide' and lack of trust between staff and managers is one of the elements she singled out as a barrier to handling complaints properly.

Judge Shaw's review was launched by Justice Minister Andrew Little after Stuff revealed a groping scandal at the commission early this year.

Little confirmed on Friday he's seeking a new chief commissioner to replace David Rutherford, who's been at the helm for five years.

Rutherford's tenure expired in August 2016 but continued under statutory rollover provisions, and he is not seeking re-appointment, a spokesperson for Little said.

Asked what he would look for in candidates for the job, the spokesperson said: 'The chief commissioner must have qualities and experiences that reflect the fundamental practice of the Human Rights Commission where diversity is valued, and human dignity and rights are respected.

'The appointment will be in accordance with the Paris principles and the Minister is currently reviewing how the appointment process can be improved.'

It's not yet clear if any other commissioners will also be replaced in the wake of the report.

Meanwhile, a former employee at the HRC has spoken out, saying the conditions described in the report caused her to leave the organisation.

Karen Coltman was the senior communications advisor at the commission up to 2016.

'It was the dysfunction amongst commissioners and ripple down to chaotic management that led to my resignation,' Coltman said.

Rutherford did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.

He was appointed chief commissioner in September 2011. Prior to that, he was the managing director of Special Olympics Asia Pacific and based in Singapore.