NT Senator Sam McMahon was allegedly drunk in senate chamber, colleagues claim

Colleagues have told media organisations they were concerned for Senator Sam McMahon, after she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol on the senate floor on Tuesday night.

NORTHERN Territory Senator Sam McMahon has rejected allegations she was “maggoted” on the floor of the senate, instead claiming she was “feeling ill”.

At least 10 senators have told Nine Newspapers she was offered to leave the chamber on Tuesday night after appearing to be under the influence.

A spokesman for Senator McMahon has however rejected the claims, instead saying the stories are an attempt to smear her during a fierce preselection battle for the CLP senate ticket.

At least 10 senators have told Nine newspapers anonymously that Senator McMahon appeared to be drunk while in the senate, at times needing to be propped up in her chair.

Perin Davey and Michaelia Cash help guide Sam McMahon out of the chamber. Credit: The Age

A spokesman for Senator McMahon has however flatly rejected the allegations, telling the NT News she “felt unwell”.

“A number of off the record allegations with no names attached is the height of cowardice,” the spokesman said.

“This is part of a political machine manufacturing any reason to dislodge Senator McMahon before preselection – even fictional ones.”

Queensland Nationals Senator Matt Canavan (l), NT Nationals Senator Sam McMahon (c) and Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie Senate Leader of the Nationals (r) at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture by Sean Davey.

Despite telling Nine newspapers Senator McMahon had received “sad personal news”, the spokesman later made no mention of this to the NT News.

“She had a drink with her Nationals colleagues in the early evening. The video in the Senate was taken hours later when she began feeling ill.”

Footage of the senate published by the Sydney Morning Herald shows Senator McMahon crossing the chamber, escorted by fellow Coalition Senators.

She is then offered by Nationals whip Perin Davey to leave the chamber.

Nationals whip Perin Davey asks Sam McMahon to leave the chamber. Credit: The Age (video screenshot)

The shocking claims come amid a tough preselection battle for Senator McMahon for top billing on the CLP’s ticket.

Alice Springs deputy mayor Jacinta Price is among three challengers competing with her for preselection.

Multiple media organisations have claimed Ms McMahon voted for Barnaby Joyce during a Nationals leadership spill earlier this week.

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