Short-lived Essendon chief executive Andrew Thorburn says it’s a dangerous idea that a faith could render someone unsuited to a role after he spectacularly resigned from his position at the AFL club.
The former boss of National Australia Bank was appointed to the role on Monday, but resigned the next day after criticism of his role as chairman of City on a Hill.
Andrew Thorburn was forced to quit after one day as Essendon chief executive.Credit:Eddie Jim
State and federal politicians weighed in on the drama surrounding his resignation over revelations about his position at the conservative church that had published controversial sermons.
“It is troubling that faith or association with a church, mosque, synagogue or temple could render a person immediately unsuited to holding a particular role,” Thorburn said in a statement on Wednesday.
“That is a dangerous idea, one that will only reduce tolerance for others and diversity of thought and participation in our community and workplaces,” he said.
Thorburn also flagged that under Victorian law and a related act that freedom of religion, conscience, thought and association were explicitly recognised as human rights.
The former bank boss said he received hundreds of supportive messages, but added many people expressed “genuine worry for jobs and employment prospects” because of faith.
Essendon president David Barham said he asked Thorburn to choose between his positions at the church and Essendon after the club learnt of the sermons on Tuesday.
The church’s public views were in “direct contradiction” to the Bombers’ values, he said.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton sparred over the controversy on Wednesday, with both opposition leaders painting the resignation as a form of religious persecution.
Andrews said the appointment of the CEO was a matter for Essendon, but criticised the church’s views. Thorburn has said he did not personally share all the views aired by the church.
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