ACT teachers union secretary Glenn Fowler defends allegations

In a statement circulated to some members, Glenn Fowler said he was publicly humiliated by an email sent by the branch executive on Friday which said he had been put on paid leave while an independent investigation into "a number of complaints" was under way.

"I want you to know that I deny the allegations made against me and I am vigorously defending myself against them," Mr Fowler's statement said.

The details of the complaints are not publicly known. To be dismissed under the union rules would require a member to be found guilty of misappropriation of union funds, a "substantial" breach of federal branch rules, "gross misbehaviour", or "gross neglect of duty".

Acting ACT branch secretary Vince McDevitt declined to comment.

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Mr Fowler claimed he was stood down and seven weeks later allegations were put to him. He said there were "multiple startling deficiencies" in the process of the investigation which so far had taken seven months.

He claimed he did not have warning that the branch executive would be notifying the membership of the charges brought against him and felt it should be kept confidential.

"This episode has seen the AEU at its historic worst. I feel sick about it. But after all this, I still believe in the union. I still believe in justice," the statement said.

"I believe that the truth can only be consciously suppressed for so long before it breaks free."

On Friday evening, Australian Education Union ACT branch members were told via email that the branch received a number of complaints against Mr Fowler in March. Following the investigation, charges were laid under the rules of the union against the branch secretary.

"The charges are currently being dealt with under the rules of the union," the email said.

"Until this process is completed, the branch does not intend to make any further comment about the matter."

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