New South Wales Liberal MP Taylor Martin has unreservedly apologised for what he called “heated words” during an “ugly and undignified” breakup that is now the centre of a party investigation.
Martin, a member of the upper house since 2017, will not sit in the party room while the claims, which were raised by a woman last week, are probed.
The complaint is understood to centre around text messages allegedly sent by Martin to a woman with whom he was in a relationship. She wishes to remain anonymous.
Martin on Sunday apologised and said he would cooperate with the investigation.
“I was young and inexperienced and I found myself involved in a situation that was way beyond me,” he said.
“There were heated words during my attempts to go separate ways that I sincerely regret. It was an ugly and undignified parting of ways.”
Martin said he was “so sorry and apologise unreservedly” to all involved.
“I truly welcome the process that the party has commenced and I intend to fully cooperate,” he said.
It is understood Martin was made aware of the allegations and the formal complaint late last week.
Martin has since spoken with opposition leader, Mark Speakman, who released a brief statement over the weekend.
“I have spoken with the MP in question and he has told me he welcomes the process,” Speakman said.
“He will excuse himself from the party room for the time being.”
A party spokesperson confirmed a formal complaint had been received and a senior counsel had been brought in to conduct an “independent investigation”.
“At all times, the party has respected the agency and wishes of the person who has come forward and has been providing relevant support,” the spokesperson said.
“The matter is being treated confidentially, and the party will not be making any further comment while the independent investigation is taking place.”
Last year a report uncovered systemic bullying, five alleged sexual assaults and widespread harassment within the state’s parliament.
The review, conducted by former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, uncovered “systemic and multi-directional bullying, with more than a third of respondents saying they had been bullied or sexually harassed over the past five years.
