Senator Keneally’s chief of staff Chris Owens has alleged in an affidavit that Laundy phoned Keneally on October 21 last year saying Field had phoned him the night before,making allegations. A series of text messages to Laundy are also contained in documents before the commission.
“Pierce phoned me last night and accused me of ... some inappropriate conduct relating to Natalie Baini,” Laundy allegedly said. “He told me he has proof and is going to the media.”
Keneally allegedly responded,“I’m appalled. I had no knowledge of any of this.”
Field denies threatening Laundy and claims the dismissal was harsh and unjustified as no serious misconduct occurred and he was on leave due to work-related stress at the time.
Owens said in his affidavit it was ultimately agreed not to seek Field’s response before making a decision over his actions as the evidence against him was unequivocal,and there would be consequences for Keneally “reputationally and politically,if she did not swiftly demonstrate that the actions and assertions of Mr Field were not affiliated with or endorsed by her office.”
But Fair Work Commissioner Ian Cambridge said during a hearing it belied the fundamentals of fairness and justice not to hear from an employee before making the decision to sack them.