Greens split over Jeremy Buckingham harassment claim

Jenny Leong has used parliamentary privilege to call on fellow Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham not to run at the next election.

Jeremy Buckingham. Picture: Richard Dobson

NSW lower house MP Jenny Leong has used parliamentary privilege to call on fellow Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham not to run at the next election, ­alleging he had engaged in an “act of sexual violence”.

The week after Labor leader Luke Foley fell on his sword over allegations he sexually harassed an ABC journalist — claims that re-emerged when Liberal minister David Elliott also used parliamentary privilege — Ms Leong landed a hit on her own side, with the same protection against ­defamation.

Her claims caused a split in the Greens, with Mr Buckingham’s upper house factional ally Cate Faehrmann accusing Ms Leong of using the allegations as a “political weapon”.

The federal leader of the Greens, Richard Di Natale, last night backed Ms Leong’s call for Mr Buckingham to stand down.

NSW Greens MP Jenny Leong. Picture: AAP

“This is ultimately a matter for the Greens NSW, but in light of the serious issues raised in NSW MP Jenny Leong’s statement today, I believe the most appropriate course of action is for Jeremy Buckingham to stand aside as a candidate for the next election,” he said.

Ms Leong’s allegations relate to a 2011 incident involving former staffer Ella Buckland, who says she was touched inappropriately outside Mr Buckingham’s house by the MP.

“Jeremy’s actions and behaviour, some widely reported and documented, and some still held in confidence which must be ­respected, have had a real and ­lasting consequence on individual women, members and former members of our party,” Ms Leong said.

“Beyond what has been articulated by Ella Buckland about how Jeremy behaved towards her, I know there have been active volunteers who have stepped aside or resigned as members as a result of Jeremy’s behaviour.

Former staffer Ella Buckland at her home in Lismore, NSW, yesterday following Jenny Leong’s statement to parliament. Picture: Natalie Grono

“On two occasions earlier this year, Jeremy behaved in an ­aggressive and intimidating manner towards me, once in a public place, once in the corridors of this place.

“For a male Greens MP to behave in an aggressive manner, an intimidating manner, towards a ­female Greens MP in the heart of her own electorate while people are passing by is clearly a sign of someone not being able to control their behaviour.”

Under parliamentary privilege, Ms Leong accused Mr Buckingham of an act of “sexual violence”, and issued a joint statement with senator Mehreen Faruqi asking for Mr Buckingham to go.

Mr Buckingham said in a statement: “The allegations raised today were investigated by independent workplace investigation specialists Workdynamic — as per NSW Greens policy — earlier this year and there was no finding of any wrongdoing … I reject Jenny Leong’s characterisation of a ­couple of conversations we’ve had.

“The conclusion of that investigation was: ‘I am not satisfied that there is sufficient evidence that a reasonable person could conclude, on the balance of probabilities, that an incident/incidents of sexual harassment as defined by the legislation has occurred. The Greens NSW resolve this matter with no adverse finding against you with respect to sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour towards Ms Buckland.’ ”

Greens MP Ms Faehrmann yesterday backed Mr Buckingham, saying: “It’s important to note that a professional, independent investigation found that none of the allegations of wrongdoing were substantiated.

“Unfortunately, a determined group of people in the party have relentlessly pursued Jeremy in a bid to force him to resign, despite the investigation’s findings.”

The Australian understands internal discontent within the party over how Mr Buckingham reacted to the allegations has reached a tipping point in the wake of Mr Foley’s resignation.

Ms Buckland said she was grateful for Ms Leong’s action’s today, which she said would resonate with many women.

“I feel deep gratitude to Ms Leong for her words, particularly that she believes me,” she said.

“However this is a greater issue, one that affects many women, I feel Ms Leong’s courage, albeit belated, sends a message that women are not going to allow these behaviours to continue.”

Ms Buckland, who is now based in Lismore, rejected Mr Buckingham’s claim that he had cleared of wrongdoing, and said there were issues with the investigation.

“The summary of the findings of the Workdynamic report did not clear Mr Buckingham. They found there was not enough evidence on the balance of probabilities to record adverse findings.

“The investigation took months to contact my witnesses and only did so after media began inquiring.”

“That same investigation process was turned on me and I was forced to defend myself from baseless accusations that I was promiscuous intravenous drug user. This is the Greens internal complaints process.”

Ms Buckland said the ordeal transcended her experience.

“This is not just about me or other women it is about how political parties and organisations respond.”