Labor will assess its culture in wake of Kimberley Kitching treatment claims: Richard Marles

Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles repeatedly refused to answer questions about concerns Senator Kitching raised with him.

Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Richard Marles says Labor will continue to assess its internal culture in the wake of allegations that the late Senator Kimberley Kitching was ostracised by senior colleagues.

Mr Marles, speaking to journalists on Thursday during a visit to Hobart, repeatedly refused to answer basic questions about the allegations and claims Senator Kitching reported concerns about her treatment to him.

Under sustained questioning, an at times agitated deputy Labor leader rejected “assertions that have been made in the media”.

Senator Kimberley Kitching died of a heart attack last week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Accusing journalists of being “offensive”, Mr Marles refused to comment on claims Senator Kitching – who died of a suspected heart attack after allegedly being frozen out by senior colleagues – had come to him with concerns about her treatment.

“She has not had her funeral yet and you’re asking questions in that context,” he said. “I don’t accept the assertions that have been in the media but I’m not about to get into that debate now.”

Mr Marles repeatedly refused to answer questions around Senator Kitching’s treatment by colleagues, including Senators Penny Wong, Katy Gallagher and Kristina Keneally.

He suggested it was too soon. “Senator Kitching died a week ago today; somebody I knew for 30 years,” he said, when asked to confirm she had come to him with her concerns.

“The whole Labor movement is a state of grief and shock. Right now, I am focused on providing support to Andrew, her husband, and her family, whose grief is unspeakable. And I’ve spoken to Andrew a couple of times since Kimberley’s passing.

“Kimberley was a person of really clear vision. She had an understanding of right and wrong. She was a fierce advocate … someone who was warm, fun to be with. The place was better with Kimberley around.”

Asked if Labor would have to confront the allegations, he said: “I understand people’s grief in this moment. But right now you know the right thing I believe in terms of honouring Kimberley Kitching is to be celebrating her life … and doing everything we can (for the bereaved).”

Asked whether Labor would need to examine its culture, he said: “Questions of culture are something which is assessed in an ongoing way within Labor, but to be honest within any organisation which seeks to have the best culture it can possibly have … and of course we will do that.”