Liberal Party officer investigated over alleged misconduct involving young women
An electorate officer for the Victorian Liberals is being investigated by the party over alleged misconduct involving young women – including alleged messages to an underage female.
An electorate officer is being investigated by the Victorian Liberal Party over a series of allegations of misconduct involving young women in the party.
The Herald Sun can reveal the Liberal Complaints and Disputes Resolution Committee is probing a series of allegations after complaints were filed in recent months.
The allegations of misconduct have been made against a young Liberal who currently works in the electorate office of upper house MP Richard Welch.
The Herald Sun has been told that at least two allegations have been made by alleged victims and that there have also been witnesses who have come forward reporting complaints on behalf of other women, mainly in relation to allegations of inappropriate behaviour a Liberal gatherings.
It’s understood at least one incident related to messages sent on social media to an underage female.
The investigation was discussed in the Victorian Liberal Administrative Committee in the July/August meeting but no details were provided to the members with the investigation ongoing.
Young Liberal president Patrick Irwin declined to discuss specifics of the cases but said: “We take a very serious approach to all such complaints and have referred them for investigation.”
It’s understood that no matters have been sent to Victoria Police at this time.
Sources said the Liberal Party has moved to ensure all misconduct allegations are taken seriously and conducted thoroughly in recent times, especially after Victorian Liberal state secretary Stuart Smith resigned in September.
His departure was prompted by leaked messages from a party WhatsApp group which included texts sent by Mr Smith in which he disparaged the party’s women and senior MP Bev McArthur.
“I regret the comments and have apologised for them,” Mr Smith said when standing down.
“I thank the party for the opportunity and wish the team well.”
In relation to the latest allegations, a Liberal Party spokesperson said: “It is policy not to comment on individual matters.
“All complaints are handled confidentially by our Complaints and Disputes Resolution Committee.”
It is not yet clear if any complaints relate to the staffer’s role in his electorate office or whether the Victorian parliament, which employs EOs, has been alerted.
An opposition spokesperson said: “While the investigation is ongoing, the person concerned is on leave from the member’s office.”
The staffer who is the subject of the probe has been contacted for comment.
Originally published as Liberal Party officer investigated over alleged misconduct involving young women
