The former CEO of the Barkly Region Alcohol and Drug Abuse Advisory Group (BRADAAG) has hit back at claims she improperly used organisational funds and bullied staff.

Pauline Lewis (inset), who resigned late 2021, says any misconduct allegations against her are unwarranted and is calling the organisation’s continued investigation into the accusations as a witch hunt.

The BRADAAG Board of Directors, headed by Elliot McAdam, has commissioned a review into Mrs Lewis’s management of the organisation, including bullying of former staff member Here Makita, who passed away from a house fire in 2019.

Some of the allegations include using BRADAAG funds for personal use to buy food, clothes and meals, using work vehicles for non work use including driving a family member from Darwin to Tennant Creek.

“Any allegation of misuse of BRADAAG resources by me is emphatically denied, especially in respect that I used such resources for personal costs or benefit”, said Ms Lewis.

“I also deny using a BRADAAG vehicle improperly and ever directing staff to use vehicle for non-work-related purposes.

“My contract of employment allowed me full personal use of the BRADAAG work vehicle and fuel.”

She said allegations against the late Mr Makita about his work behaviour and performance were made by his then manager which were of a serious nature that compelled investigation and remedial action.

“BRADAAG’s legal advisors, Williamson Barwick, were appointed by the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) to act for BRADAAG”, said Mrs Lewis.

“During the investigation, Williamson Barwick directed its processes and communications and it was conducted thoroughly and with empathy. “At no stage was Mr Makita bullied by myself or another other person involved in the review.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing it was a tragic and difficult time for the community as he was a respected and loved member of the Tennant Creek community.”

More bullying allegations by staff were dealt with by the same firm, Mrs Lewis says.

She also says any claims by the BRADAAG board that her management failed to provide an effective rehabilitation service to the community are also unfounded.

“Regular performance reviews were undertaken by the Northern Territory Government and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)”, said Ms Lewis.

“From March 2020, COVID 19 restrictions imposed by the NT Government impacted some aspects including service providers such as Mr Mcadm’s being able to deliver some services to our clients.

“The treatment program was modified to accommodate the restrictions imposed on BRADAAG and our clients.”

Mrs Lewis says the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) undertook a full financial audit of BRADAAG’s finances in April and May 2021, about four years after her appointment as CEO.

“ORIC found no evidence of fraud, mismanagement or misappropriation of resources” she said.

“During my time as CEO, I ran BRADAAG with integrity and great passion and respect of the people the organisation serves.”

BRADAAG’s main source of funds, the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch (MHAODB) supports the statewide development, delivery and enhancement of safe, quality, evidence based clinical and non clinical services in the specialist areas of mental health and alcohol and other drugs treatment.

Another former CEO of BRADAAG, Stewart Naylor, was sentenced to five years and three months prison in February 2021 for stealing almost $250,000 from the organisation.

The stolen funds were used to fund his drug and gambling addiction.

He will be eligible for parole in May 2023.

This article appeared in the Tennant & District Times, 17 June 2022.