NSW Premier Gladys Berejik­lian shocked by claim of rape

NSW Premier Gladys Berejik­lian says she was ‘absolutely shocked’ by accusations Nationals MP Michael Johnsen raped a sex worker.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Picture: Jeremy Piper

NSW Premier Gladys Berejik­lian says she was “absolutely shocked” by accusations Nationals MP Michael Johnsen raped a sex worker, as Labor leader Jodi McKay revealed she became aware of the allegations 18 months ago.

The Upper Hunter MP is set to be interviewed by the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes squad on Friday, after he revealed himself to be the member of the government who was accused of raping a sex worker at a “secluded lookout” at Yellow Stone in the Blue Mountains.

Despite strenuously denying any wrongdoing, saying he was “devastated” by the allegations and “confident any investigation will conclude I am an innocent party”, Mr Johnsen was asked to resign from the party on Wednesday night. On Thursday, the NSW Nationals suspended Mr Johnsen’s membership.

“In light of the police investigation and allegations against the member for Upper Hunter, NSW Nationals have suspended the membership of Michael Johnsen immediately,” party chairman Andrew Fraser said.

The decision by Deputy Premier John Barilaro to ask for Mr Johnsen’s resignation, moving him to the crossbench, pushed the Coalition, which held a one-seat majority, into a minority government.

Ms Berejiklian said she was “absolutely shocked” when she first heard about the allegations on Wednesday night.

“I join everyone else in being absolutely shocked at the serious allegations that were raised, and somewhat relieved that it’s subject to a police investigation,” Ms Berejiklian told a press conference on Thursday morning.

Mr Barilaro said Mr Johnsen had been suspended from the Nationals until the police investigation concluded, but Nationals sources said even if Mr Johnsen were found innocent, it remained to be seen whether he would be welcomed back into the partyroom.

On Wednesday, Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle used parliamentary privilege to accuse a “government member of this chamber” of raping a sex worker in 2019. Ms McKay said she first ­became aware of the allegations in 2019, after Ms Doyle confided in her. She confirmed that Ms Doyle had the woman’s permission to reveal the allegations on Wednesday.

Mr Barilaro said he first learnt about the allegations in parliament on Wednesday night, and after hearing rumours it was Mr Johnsen, rang him and asked him if the allegations were true.

“I don’t think I could have done anything more or sooner (than) within a couple of hours of having a statement from ­Michael,” Ms Barilaro said.