CORRECTION: an earlier version of this article said Andrew Broad resigned from ‘Cabinet’ – in fact, he resigned from an assistant minister role.
Nationals MP Andrew Broad has sensationally resigned from his assistant minister role, following a bombshell allegation that he courted a woman in a sugar baby-style arrangement on an overseas work trip.
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New Idea reports Broad, the married 43-year-old Member for Mallee, courted a woman named Amy last month in Hong Kong.
Amy said that once they had organised the rendezvous at a restaurant, Broad’s text messages turned explicitly sexual.
“I’m an Aussie lad, I know how to ride a horse, fly a plane and fuck my woman. My intentions are completely dishonourable,” reads one alleged message.
“I pull you close, run my strong hands down your back, softly kiss your neck and whisper “G’day mate””, says another.
Amy stated that Broad became boastful during the date, flaunted his status as Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, and “referred to himself as James Bond numerous times.”
She said she decided to leave the restaurant after he repeatedly grabbed her hand and put his hand on her leg, despite making it clear on her online profile that she would not be intimate on any dates.
“I don’t think someone like that should be in a position of power and making decisions for the country while being so deceiving himself,” Amy said.
In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said he has accepted Broad’s resignation. McCormack said the matter would come under internal investigation.
In response to the New Idea exposé, Broad alleged “the person making the allegation may have engaged in criminal activity,” and that the matter had been referred to the Australian Federal Police.
Broad will continue his role as Member for Mallee.
Notably, Broad was instrumental in turning party support from ousted former leader Barnaby Joyce in the wake of his own infidelity scandal, and was a vocal opponent of marriage equality.
