Webjet hits back at claims it fired lawyer for whistleblowing

Webjet has responded to allegations it fired a general counsel for blowing the whistle on issues concerning its chief executive, instead claiming she was let go due to “ongoing underperformance”.

In a statement of claim filed with the Federal Court in October, former Webjet company secretary and general counsel Meaghan Simpson alleged she was unfairly fired in June for raising concerns about the chief executive and managing director, Katrina Barry.

The concerns included alleged irregularities on Barry’s résumé and a claim that Barry sent an offer regarding a buyback scheme despite it being in breach of New Zealand laws and Webjet’s governance rules.

In its defence, Webjet denied the termination was adverse action and contended it was instead due to “ongoing underperformance”.

The group alleged concerns were held from July 2024 about Simpson’s “inappropriate” interactions with colleagues around demerger work and priorities, and her “unsupportive, and at times combative, interactions with peers and those in more junior roles”.

Referring to the buyback allegations, Webjet confirmed there was a meeting between Barry and Simpson in early April in which the CEO asked Simpson about an email she sent to the board.

Barry claimed she told Simpson she was welcome to raise matters with the board but said questions regarding the transaction “could have been raised with her directly first” as it was “clear there were no material concerns with the commercial conversation”.

Webjet also claimed that Barry confirmed with Simpson that a change to her role was not considered to be a reduction.

In the statement of claim, Simpson alleged she was told by non-executive director and chair of the board of directors, Don Clarke, that her whistleblower disclosure would not achieve anything.

Simpson also alleged Clarke implied she would be exited from the business due to her “misalignment” with Barry.

In response, Clarke denied telling Simpson the disclosure would not achieve anything and denied making a threat to dismiss.

Webjet alleged that in the meeting Simpson was let go, she was given a termination letter that stated it was due to ongoing underperformance. Simpson allegedly ripped up the letter.

In her reply submissions, Simpson denied being provided with feedback regarding any “concerns” from July 2024 and alleged that the first time she received feedback about her interaction with colleagues was during the tense meeting with Barry in early April.

Simpson also alleged she was told she had “thrown the book” at colleagues, but Barry was unable to provide examples.

Further, it was alleged that Barry had made positive comments about Simpson’s performance, including that she was “f---ing good”.