NSW Greens bitterly divided over sexual violence allegations

The NSW Greens are bitterly divided over the use of parliamentary privilege after Newtown MP Jenny Leong made an extraordinary speech in parliament, demanding her colleague Jeremy Buckingham resign amid "sexual violence" allegations.

Ms Leong's call for his resignation was echoed by Greens leaders Richard Di Natale, who said in a statement that he had communicated to Mr Buckingham that he should stand aside as a candidate for the next election.

Using parliamentary privilege on Tuesday, Ms Leong said allegations made against Mr Buckingham by former Greens employee Ella Buckland meant Ms Leong could "not stay silent anymore".

But fellow Greens MP, Cate Faehrmann, said "as a woman" she was angry the complaint was being used as a "political weapon".

Ms Buckland complained in April to the party that Mr Buckingham, a Greens upper house MP, had touched her inappropriately in 2011. Mr Buckingham maintains he was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Ms Leong said Ms Buckland had shown strength by speaking out about "Jeremy's act of sexual violence" towards her and "subsequent disgusting behaviour".

Jeremy Buckingham and Ella Buckland. Credit: Fairfax Media/Supplied

"Let me say on the record, I believe you," Ms Leong told parliament.

"Survivors must be listened to and believed. No more excuses. No more delays."

But Ms Faehrmann said a "professional, independent investigation" found that none of the allegations against Mr Buckingham had been substantiated.

"This risks making it harder for all women who have experienced sexual harassment and assault to feel safe and supported to come forward," Ms Faehrmann said.

"Unfortunately a determined group of people in the party have relentlessly pursued Jeremy in a bid to force him to resign despite the investigation’s findings."

NSW Greens MP Jenny Leong speaks to the media on Tuesday. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Greens leader Richard Di Natale said Mr Buckingham should stand aside as a candidate for the next election.

"This is ultimately a matter for the Greens NSW, but in light of the serious issues raised in NSW MP Jenny Leong’s statement today, I believe the most appropriate course of action is for Jeremy Buckingham to stand aside as a candidate for the next election," he said.

"I have communicated that to Jeremy today on behalf of the federal party room."

The use of parliamentary privilege has become contentious after Corrections Minister David Elliott used it to make claims about harassment allegations against former Opposition leader Luke Foley.

Cate Faehrmann has voiced her concerns over the complaint being aired in Parliament. Credit: Max Mason-Hubers

Mr Elliott has been criticised, including by Ms Leong, for revealing the allegations even though the female at the centre of the claims, ABC reporter Ashleigh Raper, did not want to comment or make a statement.

But Ms Leong defended her use of parliamentary privilege and said she had notified Ms Buckland that she would be raising it in the house.

Ms Leong and Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, a former NSW upper house MP, also issued a joint statement, saying: "The culture of sexism, sexual harassment, and unwanted sexual advances in society in general and in politics in particular must change."

In response, Mr Buckingham said: “The allegations raised today were investigated by independent workplace investigation specialists Workdynamic - as per NSW Greens policy - earlier this year and there was no finding of any wrongdoing."

He said the conclusion of the investigation found that there was insufficient evidence "that a reasonable person could conclude, on the balance of probabilities, that an incident/incidents of sexual harassment as defined by the legislation has occurred."

Mr Buckingham said the investigation concluded by saying: "The Greens NSW resolve this matter with no adverse finding against you with respect to sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour towards Ms Buckland".

He indicated he would not be stepping aside or withdrawing from the Greens' ticket for the upper house.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale said Jeremy Buckingham should stand aside as a candidate for the next election. Credit: Chris Hopkins

“I’ve been democratically elected to the parliament and to the NSW Greens Legislative Council ticket by a ballot of all members,” Mr Buckingham said.

It is understood the issue could be referred to the party Greens' state delegates council, the party's highest decision-making body, when it meets next month.

Late on Tuesday, Ms Buckland tweeted: "What a massive day. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me with supportive messages. Thank you Jenny Leong for saying you believe me. That was huge relief."