Former Matthew Hughes staffer Janelle Sewell.Credit:Hamish Hastie
Some of the women will likely seek compensation for the way they were treated,but all want to see cultural change in political parties and Department of Premier and Cabinet human resources processes they say encourages a ‘put up and shut up’ culture.
The women have enlisted the help of Victorian barrister Gerald Grabau,who said the approach would be similar to a class-action lawsuit and focus on the legality of the dismissals and whether any discrimination took place because the former employees were all women.
“They’re wanting to hopefully pave the way for those that follow through so they don’t go through the trauma that they’ve been through,” he said.
“Professional people often don’t want to make a fuss because they are concerned about their reputation,they’re concerned about the fallout and how long proceedings might take.”
In March,Sally Spalding,Janelle Sewell and Meg Travers alleged Mr Hughes had created a toxic workplace during their time working for him that left them shattered and questioning their abilities. Mr Hughes has strongly denied the allegations.
Former Matthew Hughes staffer Sally Spalding.Credit:Hamish Hastie
The women also and voiced their disappointment at the lack of support offered to them by the party and the government,who have both backed Mr Hughes.