The self-professed "woman who stopped a sexual predator" says she feels vindicated after an investigation upheld four allegations of misconduct against former Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle.
Former City of Melbourne Councillor Tessa Sullivan, the first woman to make a complaint about Mr Doyle's behaviour, says she is pleased with the outcome of the independent probe, conducted by Ian Freckelton QC for the council.
"It is a huge vindication after 11 weeks of waiting," she told ABC radio on Wednesday.
"Four findings of gross misconduct really display the vulgarity and the disgusting actions by Robert Doyle towards us."
The report upheld four adverse findings against the long-serving mayor, backing claims made by Ms Sullivan and councillor Cathy Oke.
Mr Doyle stood down from the high-profile job when the allegations were aired, and continues to strenuously deny the claims.
Dr Freckelton's report concluded that Mr Doyle grabbed Ms Sullivan's breast in May when the pair were in a chauffer-driven mayoral car.
He also found Mr Doyle put his hand on Ms Oke's thigh several times in 2014, and attempted to kiss her in his office following a meeting in late 2016 or early 2017.
All incidents happened after Mr Doyle had consumed "substantial amounts of red wine", but other allegations raised by Ms Sullivan were not substantiated in Dr Freckelton's report.
"To outline grabbing a women's breast to the point of bruising is outrageous," Ms Sullivan said.
"To place your hands in between a woman's thighs near her groin, repeatedly and incessantly, is vile.
"To embrace someone and try to kiss them against their wishes is absolutely unwarranted, inappropriate behaviour."
Councillor Cathy Oke, who also complained of Mr Doyle's behaviour, said she wished she had the confidence to speak out sooner.
"It's a very personal wrestle in my brain about why I didn't say something, or why I didn't speak up earlier," she told ABC radio.
"Even though I've been in local government politics for almost 10 years and I consider myself a very strong and intelligent woman, why is it that those power structures within politics stop someone even like me speaking out?"
Findings into allegations made by a third woman over Mr Doyle's behaviour at the 2016 Melbourne Health awards have been stood aside to give the ex-mayor more time to respond.
Council chief executive Ben Rimmer says the council is now reviewing its code of conduct, including drug and alcohol policies.
Melbourne councillor Nicholas Reece said there was a "very long-standing practice" at Town Hall to serve alcohol after Tuesday's council meeting and there had been times when a "councillor drank more than probably their fill".
"There is a minibar, for example, in the office of the lord mayor which is straight out of the 1980s. That's gotta go," Mr Reece told 3AW radio on Wednesday.
Victoria's peak body for local councils said councils needed to improve how they handle sexual harassment allegations.
Municipal Association of Victoria president Mary Lalios said allowing councils to manage breaches of councillor conduct by resolving them internally, was flawed in certain cases.
Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz said the issues identified were a matter for the City of Melbourne.
A by-election will be held to elect a new lord mayor in May.
Australian Associated Press
