[6][7] It was later revealed that he had secretly married newly-ordained priest Alison Dutton in August 2023, and that a controversy had since arisen in the diocese in relation to the marriage.
[6][7][8] A spokesperson for the diocesan council said that the diocese, in line with the procedures and protocols of the Anglican Church of Australia, was working through the controversy, in a manner sensitive to Dalby and Dutton.
During 2022 and 2023 consultations and workshops were held with clergy and lay people and Dalby sought advice from Stephen Pickard, former assistant Bishop in Adelaide and the canon theologian of the diocese.
[9] Dalby mentioned the mentorship of Bishop David McCall and circulated discussion papers written by Kevin Giles.
[11] On 12 August 2023, Dalby ordained three women and one man to the priesthood,[12] Margaret Holt, Carol Cornwall, Alison Dutton and Rodney Fopp.