Ruth Forrest and Rene Hidding resolve dispute through meeting

RENE Hidding and Ruth Forrest say they have put their differences aside after a “full and frank discussion”.

RENE Hidding and Ruth Forrest say they have put their differences aside after a “full and frank discussion”.

Mr Hidding, Tasmania’s Police Minister, and Ms Forrest, a respected independent MLC, had been on a legal collision course sparked by a bullying allegation.

Ms Forrest accused Mr Hidding of bullying her during a parliamentary dinner in September.

MORE: HIDDING APOLOGISES AFTER ACCUSATIONS OF BULLYING

MORE: FORREST LAUNCHES CODE OF CONDUCT COMPLAINT

MORE: HIDDING TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST FORREST

In turn, Mr Hidding threatened to sue Ms Forrest for defamation, saying she publicly linked her bullying allegation against him with violence against women.

Premier Will Hodgman had encouraged the pair to meet to resolve the matter.

Ruth Forrest. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Rene Hidding. Picture: KIM EISZELE

A joint statement issued today on behalf both MPs said they had resolved their dispute following a meeting.

The statement said: “We have had a full and frank discussion regarding recent events involving both of us. We acknowledge that we have both felt aggrieved by what has happened.

“We have each apologised to the other for any hurt occasioned by anything that we have said or done. The hurt was entirely unintentional.

“We will now put this matter behind us. In doing so we commit to continue, as elected representatives, to show leadership to promote respect, particularly for women, in the Parliament and throughout the community.”

Originally published as Ruth Forrest and Rene Hidding resolve dispute through meeting