Tammy Franks ‘engaged in misconduct’, claims Greens SA
Former Greens MLC Tammy Franks was found to have engaged in misconduct by a Greens SA committee, a leaked memo sent to party members claims.
Greens SA leaders told members that the resignation of former Greens MLC Tammy Franks on Tuesday has been a “difficult period for many involved”, and confirmed that “multiple members” made complaints against the now-independent Upper House member.
In a leaked memo sent to InDaily and signed off by Greens SA Convenor Noah Schultz-Byard, Director Alice Wheaton and Secretary Emily Haren, the leaders said the party “carried out the process in accordance with the Greens SA By-Laws and Constitution”.
Franks quit the SA Greens spectacularly on Tuesday after 15 years with the party, saying she was the recipient of unfair conduct in the party room.
Franks alleged “unfair and oppressive conduct” that involved a strategic coordination of misconduct complaints against her by staff in Robert Simms MLC’s office.
“A small coterie colluded against me, hoping to sabotage my work, to wear me down and dissuade me from continuing,” Franks added in a statement.
In the leaked Greens memo, the three leaders told members they “wanted to be clear… about what has happened and the process that has led to this point”.
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“Last year, a number of complaints from multiple members were raised with the Greens SA in relation to the behaviour of Ms Tammy Franks MLC,” the memo reads.
“The party acted on these complaints and undertook a process via our Misconduct Committee, where it was found that Ms Franks had engaged in misconduct.
“Ms Franks was afforded the opportunity to challenge these findings, which she chose to do, and the party’s State Council unanimously chose not to uphold that appeal.”
The party then implemented recommendations arising from the process, the SA Greens leader said.
“The party carried out the process in accordance with the Greens SA By-Laws and Constitution,” they said.
While the memo was not clear on what the recommendations were, The Advertiser reported today that Franks would no longer “have voting rights in the SA Greens Party” and could not attend branch meetings “until she is no longer a member of the Legislative Council” in SA per the January 5 determination.
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Franks on Tuesday said she would take the party to court: “I believe I have grounds for unfair and oppressive conduct to me”, she said.
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The SA Greens leaders said it was a “difficult period for many involved”.
“Including for the complainants, volunteers within the party, and all of us who support the true Greens values of grassroots participatory democracy and social justice,” the memo reads.
“We want to take this opportunity to recognise the bravery of those who made the complaints and thank them for respecting the need for confidentiality throughout this difficult experience. Ms Franks’ decision to publicly criticise the complainants is deeply regrettable and inappropriate.”
Speaking to InDaily, Greens leader Simms said the party’s misconduct process was confidential and “operates at arms lengths from the parliamentary wing of the party”.
“Of course there are two sides to every story, but it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specifics as this process is confidential,” he said.
“Staff in any workplace have a right to access confidential complaints mechanisms.
“Tammy has reached the decision to step away from the Greens. This is a disappointing outcome but I wish her all the best nonetheless.
“My focus now is on ensuring we win back our legislative council position next March. I’m proud of what the Greens team has achieved in state parliament this term and look forward to campaigning alongside our candidates in the lead up to next year’s state election.”
