‘Disregard for due process’: David Van resigns from Liberal Party following sexual harassment allegations
Victorian senator slams ‘wholesale disregard for natural justice’ in relation to sexual harassment allegations as he quits party.
Victorian Senator David Van has formally resigned from the Liberal Party after what he has described as “wholesale disregard for due process and natural justice” in the handling of numerous sexual harassment allegations levelled against him.
The Victorian Senator on Saturday wrote to Victorian Liberal Party president Greg Mirabella to say he was resigning his membership effective immediately.
“I cannot remain a member of a party that tramples upon the very premise on which our justice system is predicated,” he said in the letter.
“This is a travesty of justice and I reiterate that I deny the allegations made against me.
“I also acknowledging the cruel irony of doing so amidst public discourse about the weaponisation of allegations and the role of the rule of law which has at its centre the presumption of innocence.”
It followed Peter Dutton on Friday urging Senator Van to leave the party, as Liberals sought to distance themselves from the Victorian Senator.
“I think it’s in everyone’s best interests that he resign from the parliament and I hope he’s able to do that sooner than later and seek the help that he needs, and I think that would be an appropriate next step,” Mr Dutton told 2GB radio.
“In terms of the decision to expel him from the party, well, that’s a decision for the party in each of the state divisions. We are a separate body in each state and territory, as is the case with the Labor Party.”
The pressure for Senator Van to resign came despite his agreement to leave the Liberal party room on Thursday after Mr Dutton revealed he had been made aware of numerous incidents involving Senator Van.
Former Queensland Liberal Senator, Amanda Stoker, was among those who accused Senator Van of harassment, alleging he had groped her in 2020 and that she had made an internal complaint. Ms Stoker said the incident was dealt with and she received an apology and assurance it would never happen again.
The revelations came after Independent Senator Thorpe used parliamentary privilege to allege Senator Van had sexually assaulted her.
While withdrawing the sensational accusation, Senator Thorpe told the upper house on Thursday Senator Van was among many men who made her “feel unsafe”, some of whom had assaulted and “propositioned” her.
It is understood that Senator Van faces a third allegation of harassment, but that the woman involved does not wish to go public with her accusation.
Senator Van said he was “deeply distressed and hurt” to have not been afforded procedural fairness in relation to the claims of harassment against him.
“I acknowledge the hundreds of members, friends and my family, who have shown me support in my final days as a member. I am grateful for their belief in my honesty and integrity,” he said.
“I have worked tirelessly for the party and fought hard for its beliefs over many years. I will continue to fight for what I thought were the party’s values.”
Senator Van will remain in the upper house, sitting as an independent.
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