Former NSW Nationals MP will not face sexual assault charges

Former NSW Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will not face charges over allegations he raped a sex worker, a claim that forced him out of Parliament and ended the leadership of Labor’s Jodi McKay.

Mr Johnsen, the former MP for Upper Hunter, released a statement on Saturday night with the heading, “Innocent” and said NSW Police would not pursue any further action against him.

Former NSW Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will not face charges over allegations he raped a sex worker,Credit: Louise Kennerley

”NSW Police sought legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to these matters. Following recommendations made by the DPP, there is insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with charges,” police said.

Mr Johnsen’s resignation from Parliament prompted a byelection in May in the marginal seat of Upper Hunter, which the Nationals narrowly held but ended Ms McKay’s reign.

Blue Mountains Labor MP Trish Doyle used parliamentary privilege earlier this year to reveal a “government MP” had been accused of raping a sex worker at a secluded outlook in Ms Doyle’s electorate.

Within hours, Mr Johnsen revealed he was the MP at the centre of the allegations. Other details involving Mr Johnsen and the sex worker also emerged, including an allegation that he offered her $1000 to have sex in NSW Parliament.

Those accusations prompted NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro to demand Mr Johnsen’s resignation from Parliament, sparking the byelection in which the Nationals retained the seat.

Labor contested the long-held Nationals seat but its primary vote slumped, resulting in Ms McKay describing the loss as “devastating” and ultimately forcing her to resign the leadership. She was replaced by long-time rival Chris Minns.

In his statement, Mr Johnsen said he would “ask NSW Police to investigate her [the sex worker] for using a carriage service to make threats, making false allegations, revenge distribution of private material and press any charges accordingly”.

However, Mr Johnsen said he hoped this would not be required, given the women had “recent criminal convictions” and was “required to undergo treatment as directed by mental health issues”.

“For Trish Doyle and Jodi McKay to use this woman for political purposes is shameful,” Mr Johnsen said.

He said Ms Doyle used parliamentary privilege, which ultimately destroyed his career and “sullied my reputation”. He has called for an independent inquiry into Ms Doyle’s actions.

Ms Doyle has been contacted for comment, while Ms McKay did not wish to comment.

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