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Lidia Thorpe accuses Liberal Senator David Van of sexual assault and harassment
By Daniel Jeffrey
9:02pm Jun 14, 2023
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Lidia Thorpe accuses Liberal senator of sexual assault, harassment
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Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has withdrawn comments made under
parliamentary privilege accusing Liberal counterpart David Van of sexual assault and harassment, a claim he "utterly rejects".
Van was speaking in the Senate about the handling of Brittany Higgins' rape allegations, when Thorpe began interjecting, calling out "perpetrator" and "you can talk".
As Senate deputy president Andrew McLachlan repeatedly asked Thorpe to stop, the independent senator rose on a point of order.
READ MORE: 'Those are the facts': Katy Gallagher denies misleading parliament
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has used parliamentary privilege to accuse Liberal counterpart David Van of sexual assault and harassment. (Alex Ellinghausen)
"I'm feeling really uncomfortable when a perpetrator is speaking about violence," she said.
After being asked by McLachlan to withdraw the "inappropriate" comment, Thorpe continued.
"I can't because this person harassed me, sexually assaulted me and the prime minister had to remove him from his office.
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"And to have him talking about this today is an absolute disgrace, on the whole party."
When given the floor again, Van labelled the accusation as "disgusting".
"I utterly reject that statement, that disgusting statement, outright. It is just a lie and I reject it," he said.
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Van sasid he "utterly rejects" the "disgusting" allegations. (Alex Ellinghausen)
"I withdraw the word lie. It is just not true."
Late today, Thorpe withdrew her remarks at the request of the deputy president.
"In order to comply with the parliamentary standing orders, I withdraw those remarks. For the information of the Senate, I will make a statement on the matter tomorrow," she said.
Van released a statement this afternoon further denying the allegations.
"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."
McLachlan said the matter would be referred to Senate President Sue Lines.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Parliament Australia National Politics Government Sexual Assault
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Send your photos, videos and stories to 9News [email protected]
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Lidia Thorpe accuses Liberal Senator David Van of sexual assault and harassment
By Daniel Jeffrey
9:02pm Jun 14, 2023
Play Video
Lidia Thorpe accuses Liberal senator of sexual assault, harassment
1 / 20
>
<
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has withdrawn comments made under
parliamentary privilege accusing Liberal counterpart David Van of sexual assault and harassment, a claim he "utterly rejects".
Van was speaking in the Senate about the handling of Brittany Higgins' rape allegations, when Thorpe began interjecting, calling out "perpetrator" and "you can talk".
As Senate deputy president Andrew McLachlan repeatedly asked Thorpe to stop, the independent senator rose on a point of order.
READ MORE: 'Those are the facts': Katy Gallagher denies misleading parliament
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe has used parliamentary privilege to accuse Liberal counterpart David Van of sexual assault and harassment. (Alex Ellinghausen)
"I'm feeling really uncomfortable when a perpetrator is speaking about violence," she said.
After being asked by McLachlan to withdraw the "inappropriate" comment, Thorpe continued.
"I can't because this person harassed me, sexually assaulted me and the prime minister had to remove him from his office.
Hair Transplant Treatment in Mexico Might Be Cheaper Than You Think SPONSORED | Search Ads
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"And to have him talking about this today is an absolute disgrace, on the whole party."
When given the floor again, Van labelled the accusation as "disgusting".
"I utterly reject that statement, that disgusting statement, outright. It is just a lie and I reject it," he said.
READ MORE: Voice architects bullish as referendum support drops under majority
Van sasid he "utterly rejects" the "disgusting" allegations. (Alex Ellinghausen)
"I withdraw the word lie. It is just not true."
Late today, Thorpe withdrew her remarks at the request of the deputy president.
"In order to comply with the parliamentary standing orders, I withdraw those remarks. For the information of the Senate, I will make a statement on the matter tomorrow," she said.
Van released a statement this afternoon further denying the allegations.
"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."
McLachlan said the matter would be referred to Senate President Sue Lines.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Parliament Australia National Politics Government Sexual Assault
CONTACT US
Send your photos, videos and stories to 9News [email protected]
Auto news: Shock new reason behind car delays - drive.com.au
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SPON SORED |
Hea r.com
Mig raine Treatment Cost in Mexico Might Be Cheaper Than You Think
SP ONSORED | Search Ads
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S PONSORED | Electric Car Deals | Search Ads
N ew Mobile Stair Lifts Require No Installation
SPONSORED | Stair Lift - Sponsored Links
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TOP STORIES
Teachers raised concerns about bus driver before Hunter Valley crash
IN PICTURES
Spirit of the Bush photograph winners announced
A CURRENT AFFAIR
Exclusive: Roberts-Smith flies to Australia after missing defamation case verdict
Tributes for bus crash victims as families mourn
About
Contact
Watch TV
News
Sport
Lifestyle
Entertainment
Product Reviews
Radio
Stan
Domain
Drive
Pedestrian TV
Coupons
Home
Newsletters
Careers
Advertise with us
Support
Terms of use
Privacy
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