Government bureaucrat apologises for Facebook reputation damage

A Northern Territory bureaucrat has publicly apologised to a teacher after impersonating him on Facebook and posting damaging comments.

Philip Brennan was the Education Department human resources boss when he created a fake social media profile posing as former NT teacher Stephen Ferguson.

Mr Brennan created a public notice called ‘apology’ in NT News where he admitted his conduct was wrong.

He apologised for the professional sabotage and said he wishes "to take full responsibility for (his) actions".

Mr Brennan said he created an email address that was almost identical to Mr Ferguson's and used it to make a fake Facebook account in Mr Ferguson's full name.

The Education Department has reached five out-of-court settlements with Mr Ferguson, a teacher who was once removed from Gapuwiyak after turning whistleblower.

Education Department chief executive officer Ken Davies said Mr Brennan was disciplined for his misconduct.

Mr Brennan’s motive for his actions is unclear.

Source: NT News