CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses alleged sexual assault and harassment.
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has withdrawn her remarks accusing Victorian Liberal senator David Van of sexual assault.
On Wednesday, Thorpe used parliamentary privilege to accuse Van of sexually assaulting her. She later returned to her chambers and withdrew the claims, citing parliamentary rules but is expected to make an official statement about the allegations today.
“Earlier today I made some comments in relation to another Senator,” Thorpe said on Wednesday.
“In order to comply with parliamentary standing orders, I withdraw those remarks. For the information of the Senate, I will make a further statement on the matter tomorrow.”
The allegation was made after Senate question time on Wednesday as Van spoke about the Labor Party’s handling of Brittany Higgins‘ sexual assault allegations.
“I’m feeling really uncomfortable when a perpetrator is speaking about violence,” Senator Thorpe said.
“This person harassed me, sexually assaulted me.
“The [then] prime minister had to remove him from his office.
“To have him talking about this today is an absolute disgrace on the whole party.”
Van denied Thorpe’s allegation.
“I utterly reject that statement, that disgusting statement, outright,” he said.
Van later released a statement further denying the allegation, and said he had contacted his lawyers.
“In the chamber today, Senator Thorpe made unfounded and completely untrue allegations against me that I immediately and unequivocally denied and continue to deny,” he said.
“These outrageous and reprehensible comments were made by Senator Thorpe using parliamentary privilege in the most malicious and despicable way.
“My lawyers have written to her already making my position clear in the strongest possible terms.”
Per the ABC, no complaint has been made to the police.
Senate deputy president Andrew McLachlan said he would refer the matter to Senate President Sue Lines.
Help is available.
- If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
- If you’d like to speak to someone about sexual violence, please call the 1800 Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
- Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Image credit: ABC News
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