Embattled retailer Super Retail Group sued by former chief legal officer over alleged dismissal
A former Super Retail Group executive has filed Federal Court proceedings against the $3 billion company behind some of Australia’s best-known retail brands — including Rebel Sport and Super Cheap Auto — over her dismissal.
Super Retail Group’s former chief legal officer and company secretary Rebecca Farrell filed proceedings in the Federal Court on Monday to enforce a settlement agreement in relation to her termination in May.
Ms Farrell claims of being bullied, harassed, victimised and dismissed because she raised “serious corporate governance breaches” by her former employer.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.On Tuesday, a statement from law firm Harmers — which is representing a number of aggrieved former Super Retail Group staff — said Ms Farrell would also pursue other claims.
Ms Farrell’s claims will also include Super Retail breaching the Corporations Act, including the whistleblower provisions, its whistleblower policy and the retailer’s contractual obligation to provide a safe workplace.
Super Retail Group — also behind the Macpac and BCF brands — forewarned the Australian Securities Exchange in April it was the subject of allegations made by staff, including bullying and victimisation, adverse treatment, as well as the alleged secret relationship between Super Retail Group boss Anthony Heraghty and the company’s former chief human resources officer.
The allegations are understood to have first been made to the board late last year.
In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange on Tuesday, Super Retail Group confirmed it had been notified of a statement of claim in relation to matters filed by Ms Farrell.
“The statement of claim is consistent with the allegations previously announced, save that the allegations have only been made by one employee and not two as previously expected,” it said.
“The group does not accept the claims that are set out in the statement of claim. As previously announced, Super Retail Group will defend these court proceedings in relation to these matters.”
