Australian Community Media (ACM) will hold a staff meeting on Monday afternoon to address the arrest of its part-owner Antony Catalano, who faces charges of assaulting a woman. The 59-year-old newspaper mogul was charged on Friday night and granted bail, with ACM's board and executive leadership team expressing shock and deep concern over the allegations.
According to an ABC report, police allege Catalano dragged the woman through her apartment by the hair and ankles on Friday evening, resulting in a fractured coccyx. The court was told he also grabbed a clothes iron and held it towards the victim's head, causing her to grab the iron herself. The woman was hospitalised.
ACM, which publishes 16 daily newspapers including the Canberra Times and the Illawarra Mercury, as well as 55 non-dailies, said violence against women is entirely against its values. The company has placed Catalano on a leave of absence, noting his role as executive chair is not operational and that a capable management team ensures business continuity.
Catalano issued a statement acknowledging the charges and his appearance in Melbourne Magistrates Court, saying he is deeply ashamed and humiliated. He cited struggles with mental health and substance abuse issues and has taken a six-month leave of absence to enter a rehabilitation centre. ACM said its first priority is the wellbeing of its employees, who will be supported through the distressing allegations.
