- Australia Post agrees to pay former CEO Christine Holgate a $1 million termination payment after mediation before a Federal Court judge
- It also agreed to pay $100,000 of Ms Holgate’s legal costs but stopped short of offering an apology
- Ms Holgate resigned on November 2, just ten days after telling a Senate committee that she had spent $20,000 on Cartier watches as incentives for staff
- As public outrage grew over Ms Holgate’s showy bonus decision, the Prime Minister joined the chorus of critics
Australia Post has agreed to pay former CEO Christine Holgate a $1 million termination payment after mediation before a Federal Court judge but offered no apology.
It also agreed to pay $100,000 of Ms Holgate’s legal costs.
On Wednesday, the parties achieved a negotiated settlement, ending a tumultuous 10-month commercial battle that ensnared the Prime Minister and increased pressure on his government over its treatment of women.
“To finalise the matter so that both parties can move on, Ms Holgate has released Australia Post from all legal claims and Australia Post is making the payment without any admission of liability,” the company said in a statement.
“Australia Post acknowledges that it has lost an effective CEO following the events on the morning of 22 October 2020.
“Australia Post regrets the difficult circumstances surrounding Ms Holgate’s departure from her role as CEO. Australia Post recognises and thanks Ms Holgate for her outstanding contribution and strong leadership during her employment as CEO of Australia Post.
“Australia Post wishes Ms Holgate the best in her future endeavours.
“Ms Holgate wishes the employees, partners and licensees of Australia Post her best wishes as they strive every day to provide a vital and affordable service to all Australians no matter where they reside.”
Lawyers for Ms Holgate released a similar statement on Wednesday morning.
Ms Holgate resigned from Australia Post on November 2, just ten days after telling a Senate committee that she had spent $20,000 on Cartier watches as incentives for four top workers for securing a significant banking contract.
As public outrage grew over Ms Holgate’s showy bonus decision, the Prime Minister joined the chorus of critics.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave orders to Ms Holgate from the floor of the federal Parliament, saying she might lose her position if she did not stand aside for a four-week investigation.
She would later tell a Senate inquiry that she was humiliated by Mr Morrison and then bullied by her chairman, Lucio Di Bartolomeo, who also faced calls to resign.
Mr Morrison would later face scrutiny for his comments, with many, including Ms Holgate, calling for the Prime Minister to apologise for his remarks. The Prime Minister refused but stated that he did not mean to upset her.
Ms Holgate was chosen as the new CEO of competitor delivery business Global Express in May, just days after her non-compete contract with Australia Post expired.