Lucy Wicks breaks silence on ‘abusive conduct’ scandal with Taylor Martin

Former MP Lucy Wicks has refused to weigh in on a 10-month investigation into her complaint against MP Taylor Martin — until now. Read her story.

Former politician Lucy Wicks has spoken out about the text scandal. Picture: Richard Dobson

A former MP at the centre of an abusive text scandal has broken her silence and vowed to use her experience to protect Australian women if she re-enters parliament.

In her first interview since lodging a complaint with the Liberal Party last year that resulted in the expulsion of NSW MP Taylor Martin from the party, Lucy Wicks has described the investigation and public scrutiny as “incredibly violating”.

An independent investigator appointed to the matter found Mr Martin engaged in “abusive conduct” against Ms Wicks over a “substantial period of time” which included yelling, “tirades” and “misogynistic language” in text messages.

As revealed by The Telegraph, the report — which is not being publicly released — noted that Mr Martin had made “vile accusations” against Ms Wicks and “falsely” accused a member of her staff of blackmailing him.

Mr Martin has not denied sending the abusive text messages but said they were words he regrets in heated moments.

Lucy Wicks pictured with Taylor Martin.

He said he was shocked and disappointed by the report’s findings and was reviewing them with his lawyers who disagreed with the way the terms of reference of the investigation were drafted.

Ms Wicks said she did not speak up against the “vile accusations” until now because she was terrified.

“I didn’t speak up at the time partly out of terror … partly because procedural fairness meant the matter had to be investigated, (and) partly because of the three anonymous threatening letters that were sent to my workplace,” she said.

Ms Wicks said she received three anonymous “degrading” letters with one telling her never to run for her seat again while others called her offensive names.

The Telegraph does not suggest Mr Martin sent the letters.

“My experience was splashed out across front pages and news outlets across the nation, but in many ways it’s really no different from what other women experience when they are threatened for speaking up,” she said

“I want to tell other women … they are not alone.”

Former politician Lucy Wicks said she is considering a return to politics. Picture: Richard Dobson

Taylor Martin Member of the Legislative Council, Member of the Liberal Party

Contrary to reports last year, it is understood the pair were in a relationship from 2017 to 2019 after the breakdown of Ms Wicks’ marriage.

“By claiming the relationship started one or two years earlier than it actually did, it made it sound like I had some sort of years’ long extramarital affair with a staffer. Disgusting stuff.”

Following the findings of the report, Ms Wicks is considering a return to politics.

She said she decided to speak up after watching another march for women’s rights take place in front of Parliament House just last week.

“Hearing that march last week furthered my determination to realise I shouldn’t have to wear the shame,“ she said.

Lucy Wicks and her new partner Caine King.

The mother-of-two also pushed back on criticism from within corners of her own party that the complaint was not a concern for the party.

“I do not agree with the concept of ‘It’s not my job’ – that doesn’t end the cycle,” she said.

“I am so grateful to the Liberal Party that they saw it was their job and they took my complaint seriously. In doing so they are championing change needed in our nation.”

Ms Wicks also thanked former Prime Minister Scott Morrison who gave her a job in his office.

“Scott Morrison has been incredibly supportive … he believed in me and kept believing in me,” she said.

She’s also paid tribute to her new partner Caine King: “There are plenty of good men out there in the world and it’s those men who are going to drive the change and make a difference.”

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