Political figures blast ‘toxic” culture for driving Nicolle Flint out of Canberra

Nicolle Flint’s unexpected retirement has prompted fierce reactions from across the spectrum, but SA's most senior female Liberal had little to say.

Past and present political figures have come out swinging against a “toxic” culture faced by women in politics, after South Australian Liberal MP Nicolle Flint announced she would quit Federal Parliament.

Former minister Kate Ellis said women were “routinely treated differently” to men.

South Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said it was no surprise women were quitting the “boys club in Canberra”.

However, SA’s most senior federal female Liberal, Senator Anne Ruston, provided only a two-line statement when contacted about Ms Flint’s intention not to recontest the marginal seat of Boothby.

The task of defending Ms Flint was instead left to Finance Minister and South Australian senator Simon Birmingham, who suggested ongoing “harassment and bullying” contributed to her decision to leave politics.

Federal Liberal MP Nicolle Flint says she will not contest the next election. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Senator Birmingham took aim at a “grim” and “bitter” campaign that had been waged against Ms Flint by left-wing groups such as GetUp and Extinction Rebellion, which recently vandalised her elect­orate office.

He paid tribute to her “unwavering strength and devotion” in the face of attacks and “the passion that Nicolle has brought to raising awareness towards important but difficult issues such as endometriosis and stillbirth”.

“I know that many Australian women and men have appreciated her bravery and courage on these matters,” Senator Birmingham said.

In a statement, Ms Ruston said: “Nicolle has been a great member of the federal team and has been a strong local member where she has delivered significant projects for the constituents of Boothby.”

“It’s sad to see her leave Parliament and I wish her all the best for the future.”

Ms Flint has not specifically addressed why she has chosen to leave politics, but sources close to her said relentless, often gender-based harassment, was a major factor.

Liberal preselection for Boothby recently opened, meaning Ms Flint had to make a quick decision about whether to recontest her seat.

Social Services Minister Anne Ruston. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The events of the past two weeks in Canberra – centred around former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins’s allegation that she was raped in Parliament House by a colleague – were said to have solidified Ms Flint’s desire to leave politics.

She was stalked during the 2019 federal election campaign and her office was vandalised with graffiti labelling her a “prostitute”.

Former Labor federal minister and Adelaide MP Ms Ellis said sexism was ingrained in the culture of Parliament House. She called for real change rather than lip service.

“There’s no doubt that females are routinely treated differently to men in Parliament House every day of the week, and it needs to change,” Ms Ellis said. 

“It is incredibly sad it has got the point Nicolle Flint has chosen to walk away. Clearly, it’s incredibly toxic to give up the best job in the world because of the abuse and threats.

“This should be a clear message to all to take it seriously and demand change. I definitely think people need to find ways both to change and not just talk but act. It needs to be a priority and not just something where people give hollow reassurances when something goes public.”

Former Labor MP Kate Ellis. Picture: AAP Image/Sam Mooy

Ms Ellis said some political parties were better than others when it came to dealing with sexism but “every party needs to have a good look at how they can get better and how it is reflective of a modern workplace”.

“It is not just about the politicians. It is the staff and entire workforce in the that building including the media. There’s a culture within the walls of the building that needs to be changed.”

Ms Ellis’s book Sex, Lies and Question Time – Why The Successes And Struggles Of Women In Australia’s Parliament Matter To Us All is due out in April. Its blurb says: “They cop scrutiny over their appearance, their sex lives, their parenting and their portfolios in a way few of their male colleagues do. It’s time to call bulls..t on the toxic Canberra culture.”

Senator Hanson-Young said more women MPs were need to change the culture.

“Is it any surprise that after the past couple weeks women in the Morrison Government are quitting?” she said. “It saddens me that another woman is now bowing out because of the boys’ club in Canberra.”

Ms Flint and SA Liberal Party state director Sascha Meldrum declined to comment. A media adviser for Labor’s Senate leader, Penny Wong, said the senator was unavailable for comment.

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Originally published as Political figures blast ‘toxic” culture for driving Nicolle Flint out of Canberra