NewsBite

Liberal MP Sam Duluk seeking professional help over alcohol use, after ‘errors of judgment’ at Parliament House Christmas party

A state Liberal MP says he will seek professional help for his drinking, as Labor said he should be kicked out of Parliament over his behaviour towards women.

Your office party survival guide

Liberal MP Sam Duluk is seeking professional help over his alcohol use, saying he made errors of judgment while under the influence at a Parliament House Christmas party, where his behaviour toward women is now under investigation.

In a written statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Duluk again apologised for “behaviour which was unacceptable on any view”, as Labor insisted he should be kicked out of Parliament and a Greens MP said she had been deeply distressed by his behaviour.

He has been accused of slapping rival SA Best MP Connie Bonaros on the backside, while language toward another woman is also under investigation.

Concerns were also raised for a third woman but well-placed sources have indicated early investigations suggested Mr Duluk was not at fault. No formal complaints have been made.

In his statement, Mr Duluk expressed embarrassment and regret.

He also extended a new direct apology to Greens MP Tammy Franks, who has sent a statement to senior figures in Parliament about Mr Duluk’s behaviour that evening.

Liberal MP Sam Duluk.
Liberal MP Sam Duluk.
Greens MLC Tammy Franks.
Greens MLC Tammy Franks.

“Having attended Christmas functions on the afternoon and evening of 13 December at which I had consumed alcohol, I made an error of judgment in choosing to join a number of my Parliamentary Colleagues for Christmas drinks at Parliament House late that night and engaged in behaviour which was unacceptable on any view,” Mr Duluk said.

“I deeply regret that my behaviour caused offence and distress to others. I subsequently conveyed my personal apologies to those concerned, including Ms Bonaros and Ms Franks.

“I am embarrassed by the incident. I am embarrassed to think that others might consider my behaviour on that evening is consistent with my character and values, which it was not.

“The incident has caused me to recognise that I should seek professional help in relation to alcohol use and I am doing so.

“In addition to resigning as chair of the Economic and Finance Committee, I will be taking further steps in relation to this matter by stepping aside from all my parliamentary committee positions that I hold pending the outcome of any investigations.

“I have assured the Premier and the Speaker that I intend to fully co-operate with any investigation thought necessary and appropriate and I take this opportunity to publicly reiterate my apologies to those whom I offended that night.

“I remain committed to serving my electorate.”

SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros.
SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros.
Labor Deputy Leader Susan Close.
Labor Deputy Leader Susan Close.

But Opposition Deputy Leader Susan Close said Mr Duluk must leave Parliament, and his resignation from all committees was an admission he could no longer do his job as an elected official.

“It is now essential that the Premier (Steven Marshall) sack Sam Duluk,” she said.

“This is a test of the premier’s leadership. He should be leading by example, showing this behaviour is not acceptable.”

Mr Marshall does not have the absolute power to sack an MP from Parliament, but he could instigate procedures to expel Mr Duluk from the Liberal Party.

A government spokesperson pointed to the actions Mr Duluk has already taken pending an independent investigation.

Ms Franks’ statement says her discussion with Mr Duluk on the night in question “became quite heated” and she demanded he leave the event.

“I was aware of the events of that night through my own observation of certain offensive behaviours that he perpetrated ... (I demanded) that he cease these offensive behaviours of making particularly the women in the space uncomfortable,” Ms Franks said.

“He had stormed into the space flanked by at least one other man and I had observed him lean over and lift a tub chair with Ms Bonaros still in it front on, which I did not interpret to be something she was comfortable with.

“Ms Bonaros and I (and others) left the building on the night hurriedly due to his behaviour.”

Subsequently, Ms Franks said she was told that Mr Duluk had allegedly made comments about her that “literally made me feel physically sick”.

The Greens MP – who has previously complained about the behaviour of Labor MPs – said “cumulative and longstanding harassing behaviours in this toxic workplace has exacerbated my distress and disgust in this case”.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/liberal-mp-sam-duluk-seeking-professional-help-over-alcohol-use-after-errors-of-judgment-at-parliament-house-christmas-party/news-story/c2f28a26b69ab3bc1aca8d5d17ecf8e0