Australian opposition party expels senator over sexual misconduct allegations

KIFI

Published June 15, 2023 3:50 AM

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s main opposition party has expelled a senator after a female senator accused him of sexual assault and a former senator said he squeezed her buttocks, in the latest evidence of a toxic culture in Parliament House that is hostile to women. Opposition leader Peter Dutton said he expelled Sen. David Van from the conservative Liberal Party on Thursday following allegations made in Parliament by independent Sen. Lidia Thorpe of harassment and sexual assault. Van has denied the allegations. Successive governments have attempted to improve codes of conduct in Parliament House and strengthen staff complaint mechanisms since a government staffer alleged she was raped while drunk by colleague in a minister’s office in 2019.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.