A new legal challenge alleging breaches of workplace rights has added pressure on the retailer, just as investors question the board’s performance ahead of the annual general meeting. The company had previously settled harassment claims and hoped to move forward, but this latest case raises fresh concerns about governance only days before crucial leadership votes.
Super Retail, which owns Rebel, Supercheap Auto, BCF and Macpac, resolved two legal cases last month involving bullying and a controversial relationship between executives. Those matters followed a long-running dispute involving former senior employees that contributed to the former chief executive’s departure. Now a third former employee has come forward, claiming unlawful treatment after exercising workplace rights.
The fresh claim was filed by a former general counsel who worked at the company from 2021 to 2022. She alleges she was mistreated for using protections afforded under workplace law. The matter is currently headed to mediation at the Fair Work Commission and could progress to the Federal Court if unresolved. During her time at the company, she managed major compliance tasks including oversight of the whistleblower hotline.
With the company now dealing with a new legal front, attention has turned to the upcoming annual meeting. Governance firm Ownership Matters has advised shareholders to vote against re-electing the chair, pointing to the board’s handling of legal issues, poor response to internal culture concerns and lack of transparency. The recommendation carries weight as Super Retail’s share price remains over 7% lower than it was a year ago despite a recent recovery to $16.60.
This third complaint points to deeper cultural issues at Super Retail than have been publicly recognised. Shareholder scrutiny is likely to increase and the company’s leadership now faces a crucial test. What began as a matter of legal compliance has grown into a challenge around investor trust.
