Liberal MP Sam Duluk accused of racism towards Labor’s Kyam Maher
Embattled MP Sam Duluk is now facing new claims that he made racist comments towards a Labor politician while “heavily intoxicated” at a parliament Christmas party.
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Liberal MP Sam Duluk, who is under private investigation over allegations of sexual harassment at a Parliament House Christmas party, has been accused of making a racist remark on the same night.
Labor Upper House MP Justin Hanson told the Sunday Mail a drunk Mr Duluk questioned the aboriginality of Opposition legal affairs spokesman Kyam Maher.
Premier Steven Marshall would not comment on the accusation as he prepares to head into a parliament sitting week that will be dominated by questions about his handling of the issue.
Mr Duluk has not returned the Sunday Mail’s calls or responded to questions about the veracity of the claims. Mr Maher would not be drawn into the issue.
The Advertiser last month revealed Mr Duluk had apologised for his behaviour at a Christmas function after he was accused of slapping SA Best MP Connie Bonaros on the bottom and other inappropriate behaviour. Mr Hanson said he was talking to Mr Duluk at the Parliament House Christmas party on the night of December 13.
“He was clearly heavily intoxicated,” Mr Hanson said.
“We were talking about the end-of-life-choices parliamentary committee, of which he is a member, when he started making offensive comments about … Kyam Maher.
“What shocked me most was Mr Duluk’s claim that Kyam was ‘not a real Aboriginal’.
“I found these remarks not only grossly offensive but clearly racist and immediately told him he was out of line.
“Questioning somebody’s aboriginality is totally unacceptable for anybody, let alone a member of parliament. I told him it was time for him to leave but he refused.”
Mr Marshall, who is also responsible for Aboriginal affairs and reconciliation, did not respond to questions from the Sunday Mail. A State Government spokeswoman provided a brief statement: “The Speaker has initiated an independent investigation into this matter which is currently under way.”
Speaker Vincent Tarzia engaged Paul Hocking from Quark and Associates on January 17 to lead the investigation that was expected to be completed within about three weeks. Mr Hanson, who had not told Mr Marshall or the Clerk of the Legislative Council about the incident, said he was waiting for Mr Hocking to seek a statement from him.
“I have waited for the investigator to provide an opportunity for me to provide evidence,” Mr Hanson said.
It is understood Mr Hocking has been provided with a list of guests at the function on the evening. Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said Mr Marshall must take action.
“For weeks, Steven Marshall has been promising a thorough investigation into Sam Duluk with an imminent finding,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“But now we know his private investigator has not yet even made contact with key witnesses of Sam Duluk’s behaviour at the Christmas party.”
“If anybody else in any other workplace did what Sam Duluk is accused of doing, they would lose their job.”
Mr Duluk last month said he was seeking professional help over his alcohol use and he made errors of judgment while under the influence.
