dignity, page-11

'She [Deborah Thomas] said Ardent had made contact with the family of Kim Dorsett, whose two children, Kate Goodchild and Luke Dorsett, were among the four victims. But it turned out Thomas hadn't actually spoken to them – much to the understandable fury and dismay of the family. A journalist had to give Thomas the mobile phone number.

This was not just a communications shambles. It was a moral and ethical disgrace.' http://www.theage.com.au/business/d...ictims-family-on-live-tv-20161027-gsbyvg.html

In a sudden and unexpected death, particularly one as tragic in nature as this, the one thing that follows after the initial shock and becomes prominent to those most effected (be they a family member or a loved one), is the urgent need to have clear and honest information.

Deborah Thomas had an ethical and moral duty to be honest with the various families and the Australian public. She wasn't. Such a breach of trust obviously and deeply hurt the families. Simply because her role in Ardent meant the families would have automatically sort to rely on her to provide at least some moral support, some guidence, some assurance that Ardent would and will deal with the families in as open and transparent manner as possible. She didn't.

The CEO of Ardent had time to prepare for the conference. Time to discuss what she would say and how she would convey her message. She had time to consult widely. Time to get her facts right and triple check them for veracity. She lost her right to 'the benefit of the doubt' the moment she misrepresented the facts concerning Ardent's contact with the family of Kim Dorsett.

An equally contrasting view of this dreadful business is no comfort either. What if the behaviour of Ardent's board and management, so far witnessed, is an instance of nothing more than inexperience and failed communication?

Then I wonder if it is a preamble to the competency of communication throughout the entire company and what affect that factor will play in the events prior to the senseless deaths of four young people who wanted nothing more than to enjoy life on that fateful day?