“Crude” workplace but Craig McLachlan cleared by Dr. Blake producers

Craig McLachlan has been cleared of allegations surrounding The Doctor Blake Mysteries by an independent investigation.

Cast and crew who participated in the investigation by Pax People Resolutions were offered anonymity, following allegations published by Fairfax Media.

None made any formal complaints against the show’s star regarding sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or bullying.

However while the workplace was said to be “positive, friendly, warm and inclusive” there were findings it could be “sexual, lewd, bawdy, ‘Benny-Hill-esque’ and crude.”

Specific details have not been released but December Media says it will implement recommendations to improve its practices.

Earlier this month Fairfax published anonymous quotes by crew and production, including verbal abuse of a production assistant. They followed more serious allegations surrounding the Rocky Horror Show touring production, all of which Craig McLachlan has denied.

December Media are yet to announce the resumption of production for the Seven Network.

Statement by December Media:

A couple of weeks ago anonymous, unsubstantiated and un-corroborated allegations were published about Craig McLachlan’s conduct on the set of Doctor Blake. In response, December Media chose to engage an independent workplace expert from Pax People Resolutions, Fiona Bigelli, to explore the Dr Blake workplace culture and determine whether there were any matters our people wished to raise that we should act upon. Everyone from Doctor Blake series 5 was provided with an opportunity to speak with Pax People. We are pleased that many people took this opportunity.

Those people who participated were promised strict confidentiality to help encourage an open and transparent discussion. Accordingly, the report will remain confidential, however the important key findings are:

• throughout the course of the investigation, there were no findings of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or workplace bullying by Craig McLachlan or any other person on Doctor Blake;
• Doctor Blake is regarded as a workplace environment which is positive, friendly, warm and inclusive in a way that sets it apart from other productions people have worked in; and
• people highlighted the fact that Doctor Blake’s workplace culture has consisted of, amongst other things, a workplace humour which has been described by many as sexual, lewd, bawdy, ‘Benny-Hill-esque’ and crude and that some of the behaviour relating to this humour may be offensive to people regardless of the fact no formal complaints have been received.

While December Media has all appropriate policies and procedures in place with respect to workplace behaviour, the report does recommend some improvements to be in line with world best practice. We intend to implement these improved practices and share them with the rest of our industry.