Call for deputy speaker to resign amid serious allegations of sexual harassment

DEPUTY parliamentary Speaker Len Kiely is under pressure to resign amid serious allegations of sexual harassment

Deputy Speaker Len Kiely has been accused of making a sex slur in a corporate box. Picture: BRAD FLEET

DEPUTY parliamentary Speaker Len Kiely is under pressure to resign amid serious allegations of sexual harassment.

A female security guard at the cricket match between Australia A and Pakistan A at Marrara’s TIO Stadium on July 11 has filed a complaint with the NT Government that Mr Kiely made several inappropriate remarks after being refused alcohol in an official NT Government corporate box paid for by the taxpayer.

Among the remarks Mr Kiely is alleged to have made to the security guard was, “I have a very long tongue and I could use it on you and make you a very happy woman”.

He allegedly made the remark after being told by the security guard that he could not have another six-pack of beer after last drinks had been called.

Mr Kiely also allegedly asked the security guard, in reference to another person in the corporate box he liked, “Did she give head jobs or had she given them up since she stopped playing with herself?”.

The Sanderson MLA and up to seven other people spent last Tuesday in a corporate box at the cricket where 100 stubbies of Crown lager were consumed, say the security guard and witnesses.

On leaving, Mr Kiely is alleged to have then asked the security guard for a kiss “Greek-style”, to which she obliged to save further alleged harassment.

The Northern Territory News has seen the signed statement given to the Territory Government and Cricket Australia by the security guard that outlines the allegations.

It is believed the guard was told by a minder from the Government that her complaint “would be dealt with in-house”.

The security guard said in her statement she was adamant the abuse was unwarranted and unnecessary.

Another witness, who also complained about the alleged harrassment, confirmed the series of events reported to the NT Government.

Only last month Mr Kiely said his “crude and rude days were over” after being elevated to the plum post of Deputy Speaker.

Mr Kiely released a statement yesterday apologising for his behaviour.

“I honestly don’t remember making those remarks,” Mr Kiely said.

“The remarks are totally out of character for me.

“When I became aware that my behaviour caused offence, I sought a meeting on Thursday with the person and apologised unreservedly.

“The apology was accepted.’’

Opposition Leader Jodeen Carney described Mr Kiely’s alleged behaviour as “appalling” and called on Chief Minister Clare Martin to sack him immediately.

“If this is what Len Kiely said then he should resign as a parliamentarian and if he doesn’t resign then he should be sacked,” she said.

“He has brought the Government into disrepute.

“What he is alleged to have said is absolutely offensive and demonstrates he is not fit to be in parliament.”

Guardian Security owner Ian Spooner confirmed a report of an incident had been made. Cricket Australia confirmed yesterday a report had been received.

A spokesman said the report had been forwarded to Cricket Australia headquarters in Melbourne.

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Chief Minister Clare Martin last night refused to sack Mr Kiely until he had given her a full explanation.

“On the face of it the report of the member’s behaviour is obviously unacceptable,” she said. “I’ve asked the member for a full explanation.”

Originally published as Call for deputy speaker to resign amid serious allegations of sexual harassment