Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon says NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham must stand down

Lee Rhiannon is calling for a NSW Greens MP to “at least” stand down while sexual misconduct allegations made against him are investigated.

Australian Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon listens. Picture: AP

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon is calling for NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham to “at least” stand down while allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him are investigated.

Former Greens staffer Ella Buckland accused NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham of grabbing her and kissing her neck in the street last night in a report on the ABC’s program 7.30.

Mr Buckingham vehemently denies the claims and the complaint is under investigation by the NSW Greens.

Senator Rhiannon, who will retire later this month, took to Facebook to condemn the party’s failure to protect women.

Australian Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon has condemned the party’s failure to protect women.

“This evening’s 7.30 report investigation into indecent and sexual assault and harassment complaints within the Greens NSW is deeply troubling and devastating.” she wrote. “To the brave women who came forward, I offer my sincere support, please know that my door is always open to you.”

“It is clear from tonight’s program that our processes have failed these women.”

Senator Rhiannon said Mr Buckingham should step aside until investigations are finalised.

“Given the incredibly serious nature of these allegations, while holding a position of great privilege, Jeremy Buckingham must immediately at least stand aside while the investigation is completed.”

The claims follow The Australian’s story in March that reported Mr Buckingham faced an attempt to expel him from the party after failing to follow Greens policy.

Greens NSW released a statement last night saying it was “appalling” victims felt they had to speak out publicly.

“We’re appalled for those involved who have had this experience where they feel our process has failed them and have felt their only recourse was to go to the media.”

The statement, signed by co-conveners Rochelle Flood and Sylvia Hale, said the party would work with members to ensure internal process protect complainants.

An open letter demanding the Greens “reshape its culture around sexism within the party” was sent out last night has gathered 236 signatures.

Lawyer Rory Markham, who is suing the party on behalf of a former Greens volunteer who alleges she was indecently assaulted by another volunteer, told the ABC he had “never seen a more amateur organisation that has little to no organisation structure to deal with very serious issues of volunteer protection.”

The Australian is not suggesting that the allegations are true, only that they have been made and are being investigated.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Senator Di Natale said he was devastated to learn of the serious allegations of sexual violence by members of his party and apologised to the women involved.

“It is a devastating that recent events have shown that we have still let women down,” the statement reads. “This is not good enough. Right now we have to take responsibility, we need to learn from this and we need to do better.”

The Greens leader said the party had strengthened its national policies and processes over the past year and has since rolled out mandatory independent training for officials, staff and MPS.

A complaint system to support women has also been implemented, which he said “is committed to responding to claims in a way that is timely, sensitive and respectful.”

“So much in our society needs to change for women to feel safe, valued and respected and that change must begin with all of us, I include myself in this.”

The Australian revealed an independent inquiry was launched into the ACT Greens response to an alleged sexual assault and that volunteers would be required to undertake mandatory consent training in February.