Ousted Senator David Van says he is ‘friends’ with colleagues who brought allegations against him

Senator Van says he was ‘completely’ convinced he had restored relationships with the colleagues who complained about him.

Victorian Senator David Van has confirmed he had allegations levelled against him three years ago but that he had remained friends with the colleagues who complained about him.

Senator Van, who was ousted from the Liberal party room by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton on Thursday, spoke to the media to say he was “completely” convinced he had restored relationships with the colleagues who brought the allegations against him.

“[Peter Dutton] raised them with me this morning. They were things that were raised by my colleagues three years ago. We had a frank and open and friendly discussion about them,” Senator Van said at Melbourne Airport on Thursday night.

Senator David Van and his wife Nerilee at the Mid Winter Ball in Canberra.

“I said I had no recollection of the events at all and said, you know, it was not something I would do, but you have to respect colleagues if they feel like something has happened. I support them, we remained friends from that day since.”

Senator Van’s comments come shortly after former Liberal National Party senator Amanda Stoker issued a statement where she alleged he “inappropriately touched me at an informal social gathering ”.

“He did so by squeezing my bottom twice. By its nature and by its repetition, it was not accidental. That action was not appropriate. It was unprofessional and uninvited,” Ms Stoker said.

“I raised the matter with Senator Van at a meeting the following day. I described the action, told him it was unacceptable, and that it was not to be repeated. He apologised and said he would never do it again. I accepted his apology and his undertaking.”

SKY presenter and former Liberal National Party senator Amanda Stoker. Picture David Clark

The former Queensland Senator was prompted to go public with her alleged experience after Lidia Thorpe accused Senator Van of sexually assaulting her in the Senate on Wednesday.

Senator Thorpe withdrew her comments shortly after but gave an emotional address on Thursday where she said she had received “sexual comments” and was “inappropriately propositioned”.