Key Points
- Victorian Senator David Van has quit the Liberal party.
- He made the announcement in a letter to the Victorian Liberal Party president.
- Senator Van has denied all misconduct allegations against him.
This article contains references to sexual assault allegations.
Senator David Van has resigned from the Liberal party in the wake of multiple allegations of misconduct made against him, which he denies.
The first came from independent senator Lidia Thorpe who on Wednesday, under parliamentary privilege, accused Senator Van of harassment and sexual assault, allegations he strongly denied.
The following day, former Liberal senator Amanda Stoker accused Senator Van of inappropriately touching her in 2020.
Senator Van has said he has no recollection of the incident and would never have acted inappropriately towards his then-colleague Ms Stoker.
Asked on Friday if he was aware of further allegations against the now-crossbench senator, Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton replied: "Yes".
Mr Dutton also on Friday called for Senator Van to resign, following the Victorian senator's expulsion from the Liberal party room.
In a letter to Victorian Liberal Party president Greg Mirabella seen by SBS News on Saturday night, Senator Van announced he was quitting the Liberal party.
"I cannot remain a member of a party that tramples upon the very premise on which our justice system is predicated," he wrote.
"This is a travesty of justice and I reiterate that I deny the allegations made against me."
Senator Van said he resigned also acknowledging "the cruel irony of doing so amidst public discourse about the weaponisation of allegations and the role of the rule of law which has at its centre the presumption of innocence".
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe before Question Time in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, 16 June 2023. Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE
"I acknowledge the hundreds of members who have shown me support in my final days as a member. I am grateful for their belief in my honesty and integrity. I have worked tirelessly for the Party and fought hard for its beliefs over many years."
He said he would "continue to fight" for Liberal party values.
"Just not under its banner," he added.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
