Former state Labor MP Annabel Digance alleges misuse of power within party ranks

A former state Labor MP is alleging numerous examples of misuse of power within the party.

Former Labor MP Annabel Digance is vowing to speak out about “many, many examples” within the party of misuse of power, bullying, intimidation and other alleged harassment.

The one-time parliamentary secretary to former premier Jay Weatherill has railed against reports of sexual abuse and harassment allegations in state and federal parliaments.

“There are many, many examples within the Labor ranks of misuse of power, intimidation, bullying, ignoring, gaslighting … need I go on?! As a Labor MP, I have my many stories and examples,” Associate Professor Digance said on Twitter.

In reference to an Advertiser article urging state parliament to act on an official review that uncovered allegations of indecent exposure, assault and sexual suggestions by MPs and their staff, she said on Twitter: “Arguably, action on equality & respect may be challenging for some mentioned here!!”

...and there are many, many examples within the Labor ranks of misuse of power, intimidation, bullying, ignoring, gaslighting...need I go on?! As a Labor MP I have my many stories and examples! @samanthamaidenhttps://t.co/DveepBsk1P

— Assoc Prof Annabel Digance (@AnnabelDigance) March 15, 2021

Former Labor MP Annabel Digance in 2018. Picture: AAP / David Mariuz

Arguably, action on equality & respect may be challenging for some mentioned here!! https://t.co/lQKLEuh1OX

— Assoc Prof Annabel Digance (@AnnabelDigance) March 15, 2021

Now a Flinders University senior lecturer in health administration, Associate Prof. Digance was the Labor MP for the inner southern state seat of Elder from 2014-18.

She was accused in parliament by the Liberal who defeated her in 2018, Carolyn Power, of running a “racist campaign” during the 2014 state election.

Widely condemned Labor campaign leaflets focused on Ms Power’s maiden surname, asking voters “Can you trust Habib”.

A Labor campaign brochure in 2014 targeting the-then Elder Liberal candidate Carolyn Habib.

One depicted her in silhouette against what appeared to be a bullet-riddled wall. Ms Power told state parliament in 2018 that she had waited to take her husband’s surname until after the election that March.

“I wanted to send a clear message to the former member for Elder, Annabel Digance, and her husband, and that message was that I would not be bullied and intimidated by her racist campaign,” Ms Power said at the time.

Associate Prof Digance declined to comment.