‘Whoever is making this gutless allegation needs to come forward’: Senator slams allegations amid investigation into her office

CLP Senator Sam McMahon last night lashed out at “gutless” people making unsubstantiated claims about her, amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct within her office

CLP Senator Sam McMahon last night lashed out at “gutless” people making unsubstantiated claims about her, amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct within her office.

CLP Senator Sam McMahon last night lashed out at “gutless” people making unsubstantiated claims about her, amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct within her office.

The CLP launched an investigation at the weekend after it was made aware of the allegations, including claims of a physical altercation. Senator McMahon denied the altercation had taken place after the NT News put specific questions about the alleged incident to her yesterday.

“No, of course it’s not true,” she said.

MORE TOP NT NEWS

First lot of travellers allowed to self-isolate arrive as measures ease

NT News analysis: CLP continue to hit roadblocks

Borders set to open in mid-July says Chief Minister

Senior party sources have confirmed the alleged altercation is one of the issues it is investigating. It is understood the party gathered more evidence on Sunday including WhatsApp messages that will be used as part of the probe. Complaints have also been raised with the party’s hierarchy about Senator McMahon’s friendship with her chief-of-staff Jason Riley.

Mr Riley was the CLP’s director when Senator McMahon won preselection last year, leading to complaints she may have had an unfair advantage in the process.

But Senator McMahon rubbished those claims. “I was certainly not friends with Mr Riley prior to my preselection, in fact I can recall meeting him very briefly only on two to three occasions in my capacity as Katherine Branch chair,” she said.

“I did not receive any advice, advantage or assistance from him whatsoever and did not even speak to him about it. Whoever is making this gutless allegation needs to come forward and put their name to it.”

The CLP launched its investigation after another employee made a complaint to the Department of Finance last week alleging serious misconduct within the Senator’s office. When contacted yesterday, CLP president Ron Kelly said: “I’m investigating the allegations that have been put to me over the weekend.”

NEW OFFER: Get amazing Sennheiser earbuds (RRP: $499) with NT News subscription deal

Asked specifically about the allegations of an altercation and of interference in the pre-selection process Mr Kelly said: “I’m not answering.” But senior party sources confirmed the allegations formed part of the investigation. Mr Kelly said he had previously been made aware of some issues within Senator McMahon’s office, but that they were being dealt with by the Department of Finance – which manages the employment of parliamentary staff.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack last night said the Government did not comment on individual staffing matters but that it takes all matters of workplace safety very seriously.

“No-one should feel unsafe in a workplace,” he said.

Originally published as ‘Whoever is making this gutless allegation needs to come forward’: Senator slams allegations amid investigation into her office