Anthony Albanese ‘comfortable’ without David Van in federal parliament

Anthony Albanese says he would be “very comfortable” if Senator David Van “never returned” to federal parliament, saying people should be treated with respect.

Anthony Albanese has declared he would be comfortable if embattled Victorian Senator David Van “never returned” to federal parliament.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton on Tuesday opened up to the joint partyroom about the “difficult” decision to kick Senator Van out last week after three women raised sexual harassment allegations.

Senator Van strenuously denies the allegations.

But the Prime Minister said: “I’d be very comfortable if he never returned to the Senate”.

Mr Albanese, who acknowledged that he’d “never heard of” Senator Van until Senator Lidia Thorpe raised the initial allegations using parliamentary privilege, said people needed to be treated with respect.

Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley told the partyroom that the culture within the parliament had changed. Picture: Martin Ollman

“Every woman should feel safe at work, and it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“Our workplace hasn’t been good enough in the past … because of the accusation that was made in 2019 about an alleged sexual assault in a minister’s office, but also the revelations that ended up coming out of last week.”

Mr Dutton said his decision to ask Senator Van to leave the Liberal partyroom was a “very difficult decision” but the circumstances that were presented to him made it clear that the Victorian’s position was “untenable”.

Anthony Albanese says he’s ‘very comfortable’ with Senator David Van not returning to parliament. Picture: Martin Ollman

The Opposition Leader said he hoped it sent a “very clear message about what is expected”, adding it shouldn’t change the way colleagues interact.

Mr Dutton said people should treat each other as equals and with respect.

Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley told the partyroom that the culture within the parliament had changed and reminded them of the workplace supports available to them.

Mr Dutton urged Coalition MPs to use the winter break to immerse themselves in the issues of constituents.

The message comes after a political expert warned that the allegations made against Senator Van would “not help” the Liberal’s brand because the party was again talking about itself.