Essendon have apologised to Andrew Thorburn, saying the dispute with the AFL club’s short-lived chief executive is over and conceding his exit was poorly handled.
Thorburn chose to resign just one day after being appointed to the job at Essendon in October, due to his role as chair of a church with divisive views around abortion and homosexuality.
The former NAB boss vowed to take action against the Bombers for being placed in a position where he had to choose between the job at Essendon and his role at City on a Hill church.
But Essendon and Thornburn confirmed on Tuesday the matter would be going no further.
(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
“A critical element of this resolution is to enable a wider community conversation on the importance of freedom of conscience, religion and belief and how to have respectful dialogue between people with different views and perspectives,” the joint statement between Essendon and Thorburn read.
“All people should be respected and welcomed in workplaces and community organisations.
“No-one should have to choose between their faith or sexuality, and their employment.
“The club acknowledges that the events of October should have been handled better and apologises for the impact it had on Mr Thorburn, his family and others.”
Essendon said Thorburn, a long-time Bombers supporter, remains welcome at the club, and also confirmed it would make a donation to an ethics institute.
“The club reiterates that he is a person of integrity who treats others, whether at work or elsewhere, with dignity and respect,” the statement read.
“He has a strong track record of leadership including with respect to diversity and inclusion of LGBTIQ and other minority groups.”
In a post on Thorburn’s LinkedIn page, the 57-year-old said he would step away from all “formal responsibilities” in February and take a year off.
“The last few months have been difficult, yet it has also given me hope and strength,” Thorburn wrote.
“This has come from the many people who have reached out to me and provided love, prayers and support through these challenging times.”
Opps74
Roar Rookie
The bombers are the greatest club in the AFL...the greatest of doing the most stupid things that no other club could imagine...it's the festive season and the bombers just keep giving to all afl supporters...next thing the bombers will be appointing Scott Morrison on their ethics committee
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
The Bombers organisation have a lot of things to apologise for. To their fans, the AFL game with the supplements scandal, to their officials etc. They are making the Suns looking like a class organisation!!
ScottD
Guest
I'm not convinced he made the wrong decision in asking him to step down. In fact I am convinced is was the right decision for the club. I am still gob smacked that Thorburn couldn't and still can't see you can't be the senior leader of two organisations whose public statements of values are opposed to one another.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Former CEO? Did he even get his feet under the desk before being punted?
Realist
Roar Rookie
He certainly doesn’t deserve one. Did the Bible Bashing Bigot apologise to all the NAB Customers who were ripped off by the bank on his watch?
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
No but he never should have been hired in the first placr
Redb
Roar Guru
Yes it remains to be seen if Barham can bring stability to the club. It's off season so hard to guage, but a new coach & CEO appointed is a start.
JudgeMental
Roar Rookie
It’s not just you, I’m sure Commissioner Hayne is agog.
RnR
Guest
Not convinced that Thornburn is the sole reason that Essendon is a laughing stock - the Dons have a remarkable rap sheet.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Why? Because he didn't know about the church, bank or club and the conflicts that'd ensue. He's on a big purse and is incompetent. --------- Meanwhile my working career was cut short by 10 years because of a false allegation. Try telling people you were sacked for child bashing. I'd swap my pension for the loose change in his 7 cars.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
The Thornburn episode just reveals how unfit Barham is to be president of the Essendon footy club. He impulsively made completely the wrong decision, he should apologise to the fans as well as Thornburn because it made us the laughing stock of the league that we even considered hiring the man in charge of the review.
Tom
Guest
Andrew can walk away from this saga with his head held high!
JGK
Roar Guru
Thorburn couldn't sue the Banking Royal Commission.
RnR
Guest
Is is just me or is anyone else having difficulty reconciling the Bombers assesment of character of their former CEO, and that of the banking royal commission?