Will Fowles sex scandal prompts warnings among Labor MPs of a ‘sleazy’ culture in parliament
The Will Fowles sex scandal has prompted warnings among Labor MPs of a “sleazy culture” in parliament, amid reports of bosses sleeping with staff and a “blind eye” having been turned.
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The Will Fowles sex scandal has prompted warnings among Labor MP’s of a “sleazy culture” in parliament.
Government sources have told the Herald Sun of their concerns with at least three MPs sleeping with staff members, that one MP is understood to have been repeatedly put on notice about his behaviour and another warned over his drinking and sexual exploits with the parliament.
At a meeting of Labor’s female caucus last week Daniel Andrews and other senior figures are understood to have addressed the issue.
One senior minister reportedly told colleagues: “I’m sorry if this is uncomfortable and I hate to point out the elephant in the room, but we know that some of you are sleeping with your staff and it’s a misuse of power.”
At a meeting of Labor’s female caucus last week Daniel Andrews and other senior figures are understood to have addressed the issue.
“All the young women are coming out, some are internally reporting it, others are boasting about it,” one veteran figure said.
“There is a cultural issue within the party.
“It’s one of these things where they’ve just turned a blind eye.”
The Herald Sun last night approached the Andrews government to comment on the issue.
Senior Labor figures said women were now speaking about the cultural issue after allegations of sexual assault were levelled at axed Labor MP Will Fowles.
Mr Fowles has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Last year Dustin Halse, who Mr Fowles replaced, resigned after being embroiled in his own parliamentary sex scandal.
A parliamentary investigation was launched after Mr Halse was accused of having sex in his parliamentary office.
Acting Premier at the time, James Merlino, raised concerns with Mr Halse but took no further action.
Female MPs have persistently raised concerns that a toxic culture around the Victorian parliament was not being addressed.
In October 2021 a secret investigation into former Liberal Party MP, Neale Burgess, was launched over claims he behaved inappropriately to staff.
During the investigation Burgess was banned from entering parliament and, although denying any wrongdoing, he did not recontest election in 2022.
Senior politicians have previously told the Herald Sun that there was no proper process to deal with complaints, which deterred people from coming forward.
A Department of Premier and Cabinet survey last year found 92 per cent of staff who experienced sexual harassment did not submit a formal complaint.
Under the current system, concerns are supposed to be flagged with either the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or President of the Legislative Council, who are both Labor MPs.
In 2021 the Andrews Government announced the establishment of a Ministerial Taskforce on Workplace Sexual harassment.
It also emerged yesterday that the allegations of sexual assault that forced the resignation of Mr Fowles are being investigated by police.
Details of the investigation come as it can now be revealed Mr Fowles is also being probed by the Victorian Electoral Commission in relation to his behaviour during last year’s state election campaign.
In a statement, police said detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad were investigating following the government’s referral of an incident in Melbourne’s CBD.
An alleged serious incident in a city hotel is believed to be at the centre of the investigation. While the alleged victim is yet to make a sworn statement, she has met with detectives.
Pressure is now building on the parliament’s presiding officers to take independent action over the allegations.
With parliament due to return next week, the officers have been asked to order Mr Fowles from his office amid concerns from female staff.
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