KEY POINTS:
- Peter Dutton calls for David Van's resignation.
- Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said she felt "demonised" after alleging David Van assaulted her.
- Senator David Van has denied the allegations.
This story contains allegations of sexual assault and may be distressing to some readers.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has called for Senator David Van to quit parliament, less than 24 hours after expelling him from the Liberal party room over multiple sexual harassment allegations.
The Victorian Liberal branch has also announced it will consider his future in the party at an urgent meeting this weekend, after pulling all "organisational support" for the beleaguered senator.
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said her allegation against Senator Van was only taken seriously once his white former colleague levelled similar claims.
On Thursday evening, former Liberal senator Amanda Stoker joined Senator Thorpe in claiming Senator Van her in 2020 while she was a member of parliament at an informal gathering at a parliamentary office.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton arrives to speak during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
He vehemently denied the allegations describing Senator Thorpe's claim as "disgusting".
He confirmed a "very friendly and open conversation" with Ms Stoker, but said he has "no recollection" of the alleged incident she raised and it is "not something I would ever do".
Senator Van has said he will cooperate with "whatever process" Mr Dutton settles on to investigate the matter.
Peter Dutton calls for David Van to resign
Mr Dutton expelled Senator Van from the party room on Thursday, saying the decision was prompted by further allegations that had come to light since Senator Thorpe's.
The Opposition leader said it was “in everyone’s best interest” for Senator Van to resign from parliament.
“I hope he's able to do that sooner rather than later and seek the help that he needs,” he told Sydney's 2GB radio on Friday.
“I think that would be an appropriate next step in terms of the decision to expel him from the party.”
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said her allegation against Senator David Van, which he denies, was only taken seriously once his white former colleague levelled similar claims. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
"It's been an issue in the press gallery, been an issue in Parliament House and obviously ... I've referred the matters to that independent workplace authority for investigation," he told The Today Show.
Senator Van remains a Liberal Party member, but a spokesperson for the Victorian branch said it will consider his future in the party this weekend.
"The Liberal Party has taken action to suspend all organisational resources and support from Senator Van," the spokesperson said.
"There will be an urgent meeting this weekend of the Party’s Victorian Administrative Committee to further consider the allegations raised."
On Friday afternoon, Senator Van's profile was not showing on the Victorian Liberals' website.
Lidia Thorpe criticises media response to her allegation
Speaking to ABC Radio on Friday morning, Senator Thorpe described the 48 hours since accusing Senator Van as "horrible".
Senator Thorpe said she did not report her alleged assault to the police because that did not feel like a safe option and took aim at the media's response to her claim.
"I was absolutely demonised that day," she told ABC Radio National's Breakfast program.
"I became the perpetrator, I became demonised for speaking truth.
"... It wasn't until a white woman spoke up too that the media took notice. That is systemic racism."
Senator Thorpe on Wednesday, under parliamentary privilege, accused Senator Van of harassment and sexual assault, allegations he strongly denied. She later to comply with Senate rules.
Former Liberal senator Amanda Stoker has levelled her own allegations. Source: AAP
She said 87 per cent of sexual assault cases go unreported in Australia, urging additional funding for support and legal services which were “saving lives”.
“When we speak about violence, we get asked: ‘Why didn't you take it to the police?’” she said.
“We know the police are not the experts … The experts are our friends, our matriarchs, our sisters, who answer our calls in the middle of the night when we are feeling unsafe and look after us.”
The on workplace culture at parliament - released in December 2021 - found one in three staffers interviewed had been sexually harassed.
Senator Van has denied Senator Thorpe's claims.
Readers seeking support can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. The 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line provides support for Australians who have experienced or at risk of experiencing sexual assault of domestic violence.
