Besieged MP Sam Duluk demanded photo of him from drunken Christmas party be deleted, Tammy Franks alleges
A further claim has emerged against besieged MP Sam Duluk, with a fellow MP alleging he demanded photos of himself at a Christmas party be deleted.
SA News
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GREENS MP Tammy Franks claims former Liberal MP Sam Duluk made a demand that a photo of him be deleted during a drunken Christmas party at Parliament House.
Mr Duluk has been reported for basic assault after a complaint to police by SA Best MP Connie Bonaros, whom it is claimed Mr Duluk slapped on the backside.
He has also been accused by others of making racial and homophobic comments.
On Monday, Ms Franks said if Mr Duluk had demanded a photo be deleted, it showed he was aware that his behaviour was inappropriate.
However, Ms Franks said she did not directly witness the incident, which is alleged to have involved a female staffer.
Ms Franks would not say what the picture is alleged to have depicted. Premier Steven Marshall has said Mr Duluk claims to have little recollection of the evening’s events.
“I was told he took the phone out of her hand and made her, in front of him, delete it,” she said.
Mr Duluk is declining to comment, deferring to his statement from Friday.
In that statement, Mr Duluk said: “My public apology is a matter of Parliamentary record and due to the ongoing investigation, I will not be making any further statements”.
He remains an MP, now on the independent crossbench, but will not attend Parliament until legal proceedings end.
Mr Marshall has expelled Mr Duluk from the Government party room, and his membership of the wider Liberal party has been voluntarily suspended.
On Monday, Mr Marshall said he was unaware of the allegations regarding deleting of a photo.
“I’m not going to be making further commentary on this matter,” he said.
“It is now something that is before the police.
“I’m just not going to be providing a running commentary now.”
Mr Marshall said Crown law advice was being sought as to whether a separate parliamentary investigation would continue, amid concerns it could prejudice the police action.
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He said Speaker Vincent Tarzia, who is making a statement to Parliament on Tuesday, would make that decision. Mr Marshall said he was not “in conversation” with Mr Tarzia about it.
Mr Marshall said he took the decision upon learning of new allegations, and police action.
Also on Monday, Opposition Deputy Leader Susan Close said Mr Marshall must detail the new allegations which Mr Marshall said came to his attention on Friday.
“He must also outline whether these allegations are criminal in nature, and if so, whether he has reported the details to police,” Dr Close said.
Asked by The Advertiser on Sunday if they were examining a second claim, SA Police said there would be “no further comment in relation to the ongoing investigation”.
It is understood witnesses were still being interviewed as of Monday.