The following is a statement from World Vision Australia Chief Financial Officer Gordon Allison.
We are deeply concerned by the allegations of inappropriate conduct the raised in an article that has appeared in the Fairfax press today, and have taken immediate steps to ensure they are fully investigated.
Since becoming aware of the allegations on Tuesday, March 3, we have immediately: notified Victoria Police; arranged for KPMG to undertake a formal, independent investigation of this matter; engaged workplace investigation and mediation service iHR Australia to conduct an investigation into the role of a staff member in the matter; and notified the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
We have temporarily suspended the staff member named in the allegations, pending the outcome of the investigations.
We also immediately advised our board of the allegations.
