Geelong’s top cop will return to work on Monday after agreeing to apologise for comments he accidentally pocket-dialled to a superior, Victoria Police has announced.
Superintendent Craig Gillard has been off work since late last year following the incident involving Melbourne-based Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh.
The pair had made “good progress” toward resolving the “workplace dispute” from Supt Gillard’s unintentional call, Victoria Police said in a statement released this afternoon.
“Both Supt Gillard and AC Walsh have committed to re-establishing a productive and professional working relationship,” Vcctoria Police said.
“Nothing is more important to our management team in Geelong than the quality of the policing service being provided and the continuing safety of the community.
“At Victoria Police our leadership team is committed to community safety first and foremost. Where disputes arise these are worked through with a view to ensuring workplace harmony and a continued focus on the safety of all Victorians.”
Victoria Police said the incident was “not connected in any way to the Surf Coast Shire’s flying of a rainbow flag at their council offices”.
Earlier this month the Indy reported concerns that the pair of top cops had fallen out over Surf Coast policeman and councillor Brian McKiterick’s opposition to flying a rainbow flag at his shire’s offices.
Cr McKiterick confirmed the concerns, saying superiors had pressured him to go quiet on the flag issue while he was mayor in 2017. His claims led federal MP Sarah Henderson to call for an investigation into alleged interference in Cr McKiterick’s role as a councillor.
