Greens censure embattled Senator Dorinda Cox over bullying allegations

West Australian senator Dorinda Cox said she was disappointed she had not been able to participate in the process that led to the censure against her.

Australian Greens senator Dorinda Cox at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Martin Ollman/NewsWire

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Greens senator Dorinda Cox has been provisionally censured by the party’s West Australian arm in the wake of multiple bullying accusations against her, in a move that could ramp up pressure on federal leader Adam Bandt.

An email to party members, signed by Greens WA convenors Chloe Durand and Nat Tang and state director Dean Smith, on Saturday night confirmed that Senator Cox had been issued a censure by the Representatives Council’s quick decision-making group under censure, suspension and expulsion by-laws.

The censure follows multiple former staff coming forward with complaints about bullying and aggression during their time in Senator Cox’s office. Three staffers – Esther Montgomery, Sarah Quinton and Lou Hendricks – have gone on the record about their experiences, while several others have given similar accounts anonymously.

While the WA senator’s office employs only around five people at any one time, at least 20 people have quit working for her in the almost three years since she became a senator. Several of those have filed complaints about the senator with the party and/or Parliamentary Workplace Support Services.

“All workers deserve safe workplaces, and all members and volunteers deserve a safe party. For us, this is not merely a policy or platform, it’s a deeply held principle. Safety in the workplace is something we will act on, not just campaign on,” the email to Greens members said.

“We would also reject any argument, should it be made, that political work is intrinsically toxic, and that as a result toxic behaviour should be expected. Any instance of bullying brings the entire party into disrepute.”

Mr Bandt has maintained that PWSS is the appropriate body to handle the complaints about Senator Cox, although that position has angered some former staffers who believe the party itself should be taking the lead in addressing the allegations.

Senator Cox said in a statement that while she understood why people were concerned about the recent media reports, she was disappointed by the process that led to the censure motion.

“I do find it disappointing such a provisional decision has been made on the basis of allegations reported in the media without even being asked to participate in the meeting or informed in any way of the process,” she said.

“I have requested that the WA party consult with the PWSS before taking any further actions – they are the appropriate body to address these matters.”

The Greens WA convenors and state director used their email to express support for those who had spoken up and for any others considering doing so.

“Any allegation of bullying and misconduct from a member of our party, especially one with a position of power and influence, is cause for grave concern,” the email said.

“We place great trust in our MPs to represent the interests of the party’s grassroots, and we expect all our MPs to conduct themselves in line with Greens’ values.”

They said the integrity and safety of the Greens movement were paramount.

“The strength of the Greens movement is found in the people who pour time and energy into making our campaigns, party offices, committees, regional groups and many important projects happen. To ‘do politics differently’ means to value this above all else,” they said.

It is understood the censure has not been ratified, so it has no formal standing at this stage.

The senator on Friday issued a statement apologising for the distress that may have been caused by any shortcomings in her office. “Politics is a challenging and high-pressure environment, especially as a First Nations woman with five federal portfolios and competing priorities, including Australia’s largest geographical electorate,” Senator Cox’s statement said.

“There have been many challenges during my first three years in office including the Covid epidemic, taking on the First Nations portfolio alongside the voice referendum and leading many significant committee inquiries, all whilst establishing and recruiting two office-based teams to secure my six-year term with the ambition of an effective, safe and supportive work environment.”