Robe mayor told staff to lose weight, investigation finds
Investigation confirmed Ruffell made weight and undermining comments to staff.
An investigation by independent lawyers found Robe Mayor Lisa Ruffell told a council staff member they needed to 'go back to netball and lose some weight' during a community photo shoot. The inquiry also found she made undermining comments in public.
These included telling a colleague an asset could be fixed 'if it wasn't for your big fat salary'. The investigation found Ruffell was dismissive and disrespectful in meetings.
She would roll her eyes while staff spoke. Ruffell discussed council business and employee matters with community members.
She called staff lazy and said they do nothing. Ruffell denies all findings and says the process lacked proper detail.
The District Council votes Monday on whether to formally censure her.
- Since 2023
- Mayor tenure
- 350 kilometres south-east of Adelaide
- Council location
- Kelledy Jones Lawyers
- Investigation company
Why it mattersThe vote determines if the council can hold its mayor accountable for workplace misconduct findings.
AustraliaA South Australian council will vote on whether to formally censure its mayor for conduct toward staff.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
