Western Power stands down employees over rapist colleague references

Western Power has stood down three employees following revelations that they provided glowing character references for a colleague convicted of rape. Jeffrey Spinner, 59, was sentenced to five years in prison in April after being convicted of four counts of sexual penetration without consent. The assault occurred during a work trip while the victim was heavily intoxicated.

Western Power CEO Gair Landsborough stated that the organization terminated Spinner’s employment following an investigation into the 2024 allegations. However, Energy Minister Amber Jade Sanderson noted that the company only learned on Monday evening that three of the individuals who provided character references for Spinner remained employed at the company.

An investigation into the three employees has been initiated. In response to the incident, Western Power is conducting a review of its safety and culture programs, including its code of conduct, leadership training, and mandatory sexual harassment and misconduct training.