Senator Lidia Thorpe has returned to the Senate on Wednesday night to withdraw comments made earlier that accused a Liberal Senator of harassment and sexual assault.
“Earlier today, I made some comments in relation to another Senator,” she said.
“In order to comply with the parliamentary standing orders. I withdraw those remarks.
“For the information of the Senate, I will make a further statement on the matter tomorrow.”
The independent Victorian Senator repeatedly interrupted a speech by Senator David Van in the Senate chamber on Wednesday afternoon about the safety of women to make the claims using parliamentary privilege.
“I’m feeling really uncomfortable when a perpetrator is speaking about violence,” she said.
Mr McLachlan then asked for the former Greens senator to withdraw the statement.
Senator Thorpe replied: “I can’t because this person harassed me, sexually assaulted me and the PM had to remove him from his office.
“And to have him talking about this today is an absolute disgrace, on the whole party.”
Upon resuming his speech Senator Van said: “I utterly reject that disgusting statement outright. It’s just not true.”
A later statement from Senator Van denounced the actions of Senator Thorpe.
“Senator Thorpe made unfounded and completely untrue allegations against me that I immediately and unequivocally denied and continue to deny,” it read.
“These outrageous and reprehensible comments were made by Senator Thorpe using parliamentary privilege in the most malicious and despicable way.
The speaker referred the matter to the Senate president Sue Lines.
