MP Emma Husar’s behaviour ‘offensive’ but no reason to resign, says Labor
EMMA Husar’s treatment of staffers was “offensive and unreasonable” but NSW Labor sees no reason for the besieged MP to resign from Parliament.
NSW
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EMMA Husar’streatment of staffers was “offensive and unreasonable” but NSW Labor sees no reason for the besieged MP to resign from Parliament.
The party has backed Ms Husar despite an independent investigation finding merit in the complaints alleged in evidence from 22 former employees that included bullying and intimidation.
The investigation, headed by barrister John Joseph Whelan, recommended there be a further inquiry into allegations Ms Husar misused taxpayer entitlements and travel expenses.
Ms Husar has continued to reject all allegations and told the investigation she managed staff appropriately given her heavy workload and intense personal stress.
But the Lindsay MP announced earlier this week that she would not recontest her western Sydney seat at the next election.
A statement released by NSW Labor today stated that, based on the findings of the Whelan investigation, there was “no basis for Ms Husar to resign from the Australian Parliament”.
It brings to an end speculation that Ms Husar may have been kicked out of the party and forced to sit on the crossbench.
The Whelan report also called for another investigation into the way her staff were used to perform non-electorate work duties, such as walking her dog and minding her children.
“In general terms there are two contrasting perceptions which have been expressed to the Assessment,” the statement said.
“The Member (Ms Husar) expressed that she manages appropriately to achieve higher standards of performance and loyalty. And does so under a heavy workload, intense personal stress and a desire to serve Western Sydney and in particular the cause of victims of domestic violence.
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“Whereas male and female complainants perceive and allege they have found much of the Member’s management offensive and unreasonable.
“After considering all sides of the relevant issues the Assessment has generally favoured the complainant’s perception of events.”
Claims that Ms Husar sexually harassed a staff member were not supported on the “balance of probabilities”, while a claim she exposed herself to another federal MP was also not supported.
The investigation into Ms Husar’s office began in March but only became public within recent weeks, with the leak of some of the details of allegations against her.
Ms Husar announced on Wednesday she would step down from politics, hitting out at “faceless” people within the Labor Party who leaked against her.
Labor leader Bill Shorten said Ms Husar had done the right thing by the party when she quit.
“In terms of what she’s done and what she hasn’t done, she will get a chance to read the report and people will learn the lessons,” he said.
“Everyone needs to be treated with respect out of this process and there is little more I can add.”