Accused MP Rene Hidding says he will fight to clear his name

Long-serving member for Lyons Rene Hidding has departed politics with a vehement denial of the abuse allegations made against him.

Rene Hidding looking shocked after being pipped for the role of Speaker. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

LONG-serving member for Lyons Rene Hidding has departed politics with a vehement denial of the abuse allegations made against him.

Mr Hidding, 66, issued a detailed personal statement on Monday afternoon as his immediate retirement was announced, asking for privacy.

“I’ve been a proud and diligent member of the Tasmanian Parliament for 23 years and I will always treasure the memories of my career, particularly the people I worked with on all sides of the House,” he said.

“I am saddened that I now need to step aside so I can confront false, malicious and hurtful allegations.”

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Mr Hidding also said he would take legal action against The Australian newspaper and other media outlets.

“I acknowledge that I have been a public figure, but that does not deny me the presumption of innocence and the right for an investigation to be undertaken in the proper way, under the rule of law,” he said.

Mr Hidding has been Liberal member for Lyons since 1996, and was state opposition leader between August 2002 and March 2006.

During the Hodgman Government’s first term he was Minister for Police and Emergency Management and Minister for Infrastructure.

He was the Government’s choice for Speaker, although he was gazumped on the first day of the new Parliament by member for Clark Sue Hickey, who was elected with the support of Labor and the Greens.

On his website, Mr Hidding’s biography refers to his personal beliefs.

“He maintains a belief in mainstream traditional values and principles as well as good manners and respect for all in the community,” it says.

Premier Will Hodgman paid tribute to Mr Hidding yesterday.

“Rene of course has been a very long-standing member of Parliament and a very hardworking representative of his community, especially the people of Lyons,” Mr Hodgman said.

“He’s certainly been an important part of the Liberal team for some years, including in my Government.

“He certainly delivered a lot and I’m sure he will be remembered for that.

“He has made a significant contribution to our parliament and to our state.”

Due to his length of service, Mr Hidding is understood to be covered by the now-superseded defined benefits scheme for retiring parliamentarians, and could receive a payout topping $1 million.

In 2016, MLC Ruth Forrest accused Mr Hidding of bullying her during a parliamentary dinner.

In turn, Mr Hidding threatened to sue Ms Forrest for defamation, saying she publicly linked her bullying allegation against him with violence against women.

The pair put their differences aside after “a full and frank discussion”.