A woman who has accused a Tasmanian Liberal MP of historic sexual abuse says she intends to make a statement to police

A WOMAN who has accused a Tasmanian Liberal MP of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager says she intends to make a statement to police.

A woman who has accused a Tasmanian Liberal MP of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager says she intends to make a statement to police. Picture: SUPPLIED

A WOMAN who has accused a Tasmanian Liberal MP of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager says she intends to make a statement to police.

Premier Will Hodgman has described as “serious” allegations by a woman who says the MP, who is her brother-in-law, repeatedly sexually abused her when she was 15 to 16.

In allegations published by the Weekend Australian newspaper, the 54-year-old woman said the abuse occurred over six months while she was staying in the home of the politician and his wife.

The MP has strenuously denied the allegations, telling the Australian his sister-in-law was “fabricating” the “malicious slander” to punish him and his wife in relation to several disputes.

The woman said she reported the alleged abuse to police in around 2014 and did not hear back.

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She said she instead received a call from the alleged perpetrator the following day, in which he threatened to “make her life a misery”.

Tasmania Police issued a statement yesterday saying there was no record of a complaint being made during the time of the alleged abuse.

“Advice was given to a person interstate earlier this month to attend their local police station should they wish to make a formal complaint,” police said.

“Arrangements are being made for the relevant interstate police service to proactively make contact with the person about whether they wish to make a formal complaint.”

Mr Hodgman said he had taken advice on the matter and had contacted the Police Commissioner.

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“It is a serious (allegation). Given the nature of it, it needs to be dealt with appropriately. I can advise I have written to the Tasmania Police commissioner to draw to his attention the allegation and request that Tasmania police take any appropriate action,” he said.

The woman told the Mercury she would make a statement to police if she was contacted.

Shadow Police Minister Shane Broad said the allegations must be thoroughly investigated by both the police and the Premier.

“The Premier and the Liberal party must investigate these very serious claims,” Dr Broad said.

“Considering the woman at the centre of this matter claims she initially contacted police five years ago in 2014, why wasn’t an investigation initiated then?

“There are very serious questions that cannot be swept under the carpet.”

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