Pauline Hanson has claimed that a married senator has sexually harassed a number of his staff in an address in parliament last night.
Alluding to a number of harassment victims who she says have been “gagged”, Hanson laid into the unnamed senator for harassing more than six members of his staff during the current term of parliament, and for allegedly using taxpayer dollars to fund payouts.
https://twitter.com/janeenorman/status/1095444000515878912
Hanson appears to be speaking out on behalf of staff members, rather than herself, reminding the senator that “our staff are no different to us“.
Obviously this speech has got people busting out their best sleuth outfits, trying to figure out who, exactly, is the target. Feel free to speculate at will.
Which senator was Pauline Hanson last night referring to in claims of sexual harassment?
— 💧🇺🇦Ian Gordon Tufrey (@IanTufrey) February 12, 2019
WOT?!
“I expect the behaviour of all elected members to be honourable. What senators in this place need to understand is that our staff are no different to us.” – Pauline Hanson
Wonder if true? I’d like to think honourable too, but hard when Hanson has form for spewing shite? https://t.co/3EPTBuNPby
— Noely ⚡️🏐 (@YaThinkN) February 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/joshgnosis/status/1095434232606773249?s=21
[jwplayer CwUqv6Y6]
Hanson’s full address is below:
I rise tonight to share my disappointment at another case of serious sexual harassment by a current senator that is currently under investigation – a married senator. This same senator has also forced the Australian taxpayer to pay out other previous unfair dismissal cases during his term. Each of those people has been gagged from speaking publicly about their experience, and I respect the decision they have made to accept those terms and remain silent. But what is disappointing is that this parliament has allowed the horrible treatment of staff to continue without this senator being forced to go through some form of training to prevent the poor treatment of his employees. I’m not talking about one or two staff: I’m talking about more than six in this term of parliament. And I blame this parliament for allowing the gag orders to leave this vulnerable woman exposed to the treatment she’s gone through. This gutless wonder we call senator should tonight hang his head in shame.
I expect the behaviour of all elected members to be honourable. What senators in this place need to understand is that our staff are no different to us. Just because you wear the red pin doesn’t give you permission to place your unwanted hands or lips on your staff.
