Tabcorp’s former CEO, Adam Rytenskild, has publicly defended himself against allegations of sexist remarks that led to his dismissal last year. Rytenskild was terminated following claims that he made a vulgar statement regarding a female regulatory officer, which he vehemently denies. He asserts that his firing was unlawful, as he wasn’t provided the chance to address the allegations or obtain legal counsel before the decision was made.
In a recent statement, Rytenskild accused fellow directors at Tabcorp of perpetuating a culture of sexism, citing a crude comment made by director Raelene Murphy about her physique during an interview, which was reportedly met with laughter from other executives. He also claimed that another board member, Justin Milne, often used derogatory language towards women and made disrespectful remarks about Aboriginal people.
Countering Rytenskild’s assertions, Tabcorp’s legal representatives argued that his dismissal was justified due to his alleged unprofessional conduct, which they deemed ‘sleazy’ and ‘misogynistic.’ This sentiment was echoed by a whistleblower report and corroborated by two senior staff members during an external investigation. Rytenskild claims he was unaware of the investigation and the serious nature of the allegations until the meeting on March 14, where he was informed of his termination.
When given the option to resign instead of being fired, Rytenskild recalls feeling shocked and panicked, with minimal time to make a decision. Following his abrupt dismissal, Tabcorp communicated to the ASX that Rytenskild’s resignation was a result of his use of offensive language that made his position untenable. Rytenskild maintains that this statement defamed him, suggesting it implied misconduct justifying dismissal, a claim Tabcorp refutes.
The ongoing legal dispute has led to a court directive for both parties to participate in mediation, scheduled to occur within the next two months. Should this attempt at resolution fail, the matter will proceed to the Federal Court in June. Currently, Tabcorp, Australia’s largest gambling organisation, is now overseen by Gillon McLachlan, the former head of the Australian Football League.
This case highlights significant concerns over workplace conduct, particularly regarding gender sensitivity and respect within corporate Australia. For those needing support during such discussions, resources like Lifeline and Beyond Blue are readily available.