Cricket Australia (CA) has been accused of sacking an employee after she called the government “gutless” for failing to ensure women had access to reproductive health services in the state of Tasmania. Angela Williamson claims she lost her job after she campaigned for abortion reform and criticised the state government on social media.
Williamson accused that CA told her that she had “damaged her relationship with the government”. She said, “For speaking up, I lost my job with Cricket Australia. I was told the tweet had damaged my relationship with the government. I was in shock trying to understand the situation I’d found myself in, and how publicly expressing my political opinion in a tweet had led to this situation at work. I’m still in shock.”
ALSO READ: When MS Dhoni Decided To Give Stalemate To Australia
As quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald, Angela further added, “I’m not a victim. I’m not seeking pity. And I’m not going to be quiet about reproductive health and surgical terminations. Bottom line? I should not have had to lose my job to deliver the change. Abortion is legal in Tasmania. But that system is broken and it made me feel ashamed.”
Williamson first used her Twitter account to argue for abortion rights in January 2018, declaring the situation a “disgrace”. Meanwhile, CA issued a statement post the accusations saying that Williamson’s contract came to an end in June post which she was relieved of her duties as manager of public policy and government relations.
The statement read: “The circumstances surrounding that decision are now the subject of legal proceedings and it would be inappropriate for Cricket Australia to publicly comment on Ms. Williamson’s specific circumstances any further. We will continue to follow and respect the current process. Cricket Australia respects an individual’s right to their opinion. However, it expects that employees will refrain from making offensive comments that contravene the organization’s policies.”
ALSO READ: Justin Langer is the new head of T20I selection committee for Australia
However, the Tasmanian government is in complete denial about commenting on the accusation that it had disclosed Williamson’s pregnancy termination to her employer.
As spokeswoman of the Tasmanian government said, “This is a matter for Cricket Tasmania. The government is not responsible for HR decisions made by private employers. The government does not involve itself in private employer matters and refutes any allegation that it has disclosed private information.”
