Labor MP Hugh McDermott gives impassioned #MeToo speech

Labor MP Hugh McDermott says false sexual harassment allegations should not be used for political advantage.

McDermott’s former staffer had accused him of sexual harassment. Picture: AP

The Labor MP for Prospect, Hugh McDermott, who was cleared last week by a Labor Party inquiry of allegations of sexual harassment against a former member of his staff, has given an impassioned speech where he has said it was “incumbent on everyone involved in politics ... not to use false sexual harassment allegations for political advantage”.

Mr McDermott said he would return to his role as Opposition Wastewatch spokesman with the NSW Opposition and complained of the strain allegations published by The Daily Telegraph had had on his wife, mother and family.

He made his speech in front of most of his Labor colleagues, led by Deputy Labor leader Michael Daley, although Opposition Leader Luke Foley was not in the parliament for the speech.

“I want to put on the record in this house a few facts ... I have never indulged in conduct that constituted sexual harassment,” Mr McDermott said.

“There was never a complaint ... that constituted sexual harassment.”

There had never been a complaint to NSW police, the department of parliamentary services or the Labor Party about him, Mr McDermott said.

“Regardless of this, these false allegations were still reported prominently in the media,” Mr McDermott said.

He said barrister John Whelan had “found there was no substance in the allegations”.

“The claims of misuse of electoral allowance ... were not made out.”

“Women face sexual harassment too often in the workplace in Australia. This is a challenge our society must address

“I do not want to add to those fears by going into detail what I believe really motivated this attack on me

“It is incumbent on everyone involved in politics ... not to use false sexual harassment allegations ... for political advantage,” he said, appearing to point the finger at the Liberal party.

“The #MeToo movement is extremely important and I fully support its aims.”

Under the cover of Bill Shorten’s budget in reply speech, at 9pm on Thursday, the Labor Party put out the Whelan report clearing Mr McDermott.

Mr McDermott’s former staffer, Nicole Scott, had accused him of sexual harassment in a letter obtained by The Daily Telegraph.

Mr Whelan’s report found: “The claims of sexual harassment are not made out; The claims of workplace bullying and inappropriate behaviour are not made out; The claims of misuse of electoral allowance are not made out; Notwithstanding the above, Dr McDermott is advised to elevate his language to the high professional standards expected of a Member of Parliament;

“Notwithstanding the findings, there is merit in the submission of the Public Service Association and Ms Scott who references the disincentives for employees to raise issues with their employer under the current employment relationship and processes of complaint.

“To this end the Assessment has endorsed the Public Service Association’s recommendations made for law and contract reform that: The Members of Parliament Staff Act 2013 be amended to allow staff to have access to appeal to the Industrial Relations Commission.”

At the time of the complaint, Mr Foley said: “There is no place whatsoever for harassment of women in the party lead.”

“She will be supported. No one will be judged.”