Teal MP’s cryptic words on staffer lawsuit

Ms Rugg has taken her former boss to court over what she alleges were her breaches of the Fair Work Act, which she said involved her working unreasonable hours.

Speaking to Melbourne radio station 3AW on Monday morning, Dr Ryan, the member for Kooyong, said she was unable to go into great detail over her ongoing legal battle with Ms Rugg, but said colleagues had advised her that getting the right staff was a “difficult thing”.

“The situation with Sally was unfortunate,” she said.

“Having spoken with parliamentarians from all sides (they said) that staffing and setting up and electorate office when your a first timer is a challenge, and finding the right fit for you is a difficult thing.”

“It’s a bit of a shame that things have played out the way they have,” Dr Ryan said.

Asked by radio host Neil Mitchell how many hours she worked in her previous role as the head of the Neurology Department at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Dr Ryan replied that she didn’t generally count the number of hours she worked.

“I’ve always worked hard,” she said.

Ms Rugg had attempted to retain her $160,000 taxpayer funded position while the dispute was litigated, but her plan was dealt a blow by Federal Court Judge Debra Mortimer earlier in March, who found Ms Rugg’s submissions to have a “high degree of unreality to them.”

Ms Rugg had submitted she and Dr Ryan could be “mature” and continue working together until the matter went to trial, or alternatively that she could be placed on “miscellaneous leave.”

Dr Ryan, however, had submitted the pair’s relationship was “unsalvageable,” and said she had lost “all trust and confidence” in Ms Rugg.

Judge Mortimer ordered the matter to be listed for a case management hearing prior to a trial date being set.

The pair will return to court on Wednesday March 22.