Jacqui Lambie’s former chief-of-staff has accused her of ‘excessive alcohol consumption’
JACQUI Lambie’s former chief of staff has accused her of excessive alcohol consumption in new allegations filed in their ongoing legal battle.
National
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JACQUI Lambie was warned about her “excessive alcohol consumption” multiple times by her former chief of staff, according to new allegations filed in their ongoing legal battle.
The new allegations come a week after Ms Lambie resigned from the Senate for being a dual citizen.
Ms Lambie’s former chief of staff Rob Messenger has claimed he warned her about her workplace drinking on a “regular basis” between 2014 and 2016, The Australianreports.
He also reportedly complained about her drinking at 11 public events.
The new allegations, which were filed in an amended statement of claim to the Federal Court, are part of an ongoing lawsuit Mr Messenger and his wife Fern have against Ms Lambie for unlawful dismissal.
Mr Messenger has reportedly claimed he told Ms Lambie her alcohol-affected behaviour would be considered a breach of “work health and safety and bullying”.
A spokeswoman for Ms Lambie yesterday denied the claims.
“Rob Messenger’s amendments are full of false claims and Jacqui looks forward to the opportunity to defend herself against them, but as it is before the courts, Jacqui cannot comment further,” she told The Australian.
Mr Messenger was unable to comment further as he remains under a 10-year confidentially contract signed when he worked in Ms Lambie’s office.
“If Jacqui Lambie isn’t scared of the truth and has nothing to hide then she will tear up those staff confidentially contracts,’’ he told The Australian.
“The people of Tasmania deserve to hear all the facts and both sides of the story before they decide on Jacqui Lambie’s political future.”
Mr Messenger also reportedly claimed Ms Lambie ridiculed staff who took sick leave.
He claims she told him she wanted to replace a staff member who took carer’s leave to visit her mother in palliative care.
Ms Messenger’s amended statement of claim says as a result he was scared to take leave and accrued 300 hours.
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