Michael Tomalaris cites impact on mental health after SBS exit
Tomalaris says he made a 'minor breach' of SBS code of conduct prior to being asked to depart.
- Published by David Knox
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Former SBS presenter Michael Tomalaris has revealed his private pain after being let go by SBS.
The Cycling analyst and SBS World News presenter departed SBS last month after more than 30 years with the broadcaster.
Tomalaris confirms he was asked to leave SBS for what he called a ‘minor breach’ of the broadcaster’s code of conduct -but not divulged what that breach was.
“It was a minor mistake and it wasn’t a hanging offence,” he said.
“I’ll be 61 in a couple of weeks and I feel that age had a lot to do with my moving on,” he said. “It was SBS’s way of showing me the door because it was the cheapest option.”
He also expressed his anguish following the saga.
“It made me think of the people that I’ve lost through suicide,” he said. “And even though I never considered doing any damage to myself, it did cross my mind for the very first time.
“It took me about 14 days to get over the shock and the shock turned to anger and my mental health was very unstable for the first time in my life.”
SBS said it had been committed to Tomalaris continuing his role regardless of his age.
“Any suggestion otherwise is untrue and at odds with our growing commitment and investment in major cycling events and his expanded role as a sports presenter on SBS News,” the spokesperson said. “We wish him well as he moves on from the network.”
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Source: Sydney Morning Herald
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4 Responses
Devastating at 60+ to lose you job…you career that you have invested half your life in…..I am very upset…I really like watching this gentleman….I wont have the same interest in cycling events anymore 😞….In fact I am very anti SBS at the moment.
There are plenty of sacked staff who take their dismissal case to the Fair Work Commission and get their job back on the basis that their wrongdoing was a minor breach and they had an otherwise unblemished work record. So it’s puzzling that Tomalaris hasn’t lodged his dismissal with the FWC.
Without obviously knowing what happened, it is sad to see him go from SBS, particularly the various cycling events he hosted. I wish him the best for whatever he does next.
And good to see him speak up about his mental health, which is hard to do for us men at times.
Without knowing the breach, it’s difficult to judge, and in general, mental health can sometimes lead to regretted things, though there should be sensitivity and understanding with employers and anyone else on these issues if the case or situation arises. The forced resignation has been made public nonetheless.