A Tasmanian MLC has used parliamentary privilege to accuse a local mayor and former Liberal of sexually harassing, bullying and intimidating women, while also taking aim at a senior cabinet minister for protecting him.
In parliament on Thursday, Greens Member of the Legislative Council Cassy O'Connor alleged there was an "active complaint" with the Liberal Party executive about Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley regarding "his conduct towards Liberal women".
Cr Blomeley is a close ally of senior Liberal cabinet minister Eric Abetz and was chair of the Franklin branch until he was kicked out of the party in April after publicly stating that he was considering running as an Independent in the state election.But in her speech to parliament, Ms O'Connor was critical of Mr Abetz's "decision to protect" Cr Blomeley, claiming the mayor had a "chequered history with women".
The parliament heard one person told the Greens they had "witnessed aggressive and bullying behaviour, especially towards women".Abetz 'steadfastly supporting Mr Blomeley' "To this day, Mr Abetz is steadfastly supporting Blomeley in his internal Liberal Party membership battle, despite knowing his history with women and being aware of the current complaint against him," she said.Last week in state parliament, Mr Abetz told Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff she was "at her best when she keeps her mouth shut", before withdrawing the comment.
Cassy O'connor Parliamentary Privilege Eric Abetz Sue Hickey
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