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Young Greens have written an open letter to the party demanding it "reshape its culture around sexism within the party", as dozens "resign in disgust" over the handling of sexual misconduct allegations.
Key points:
- Senior NSW Greens politicians Lee Rhiannon and David Shoebridge used social media to air their support for women who appeared on the ABC's 7.30 program
- Young Greens have made a list of demands in an open letter to the national, state and territory branches of the Greens
- Many said they had already resigned or would resign from the party
The petition comes in the wake of an ABC investigation which revealed the Greens mishandled complaints about sexual misconduct by members.
In an open letter addressed to the national, state and territory branches of the Greens, the authors laid out a list of demands, describing the party's actions as a result of "deep-rooted sexism".
"Some of the undersigned have already resigned in disgust," the letter said.
"For those of us who have resigned, we may consider our membership upon serious reform."
Hundreds of party members and non-party members signed the petition on Friday morning, with dozens specifying they had resigned or would resign from the Greens.
"The party's history of covering up reports of sexual violence is just one illustration of a dangerous political logic taking hold in the party; one which values electoral success and vote-winning above principle, including the principle of justice for survivors of sexual assault," they said.
Buckingham should 'stand aside': Rhiannon
The investigation also aired concerns about how the party has handled a complaint by a former NSW Parliament Greens staffer, who claims NSW MLC Jeremy Buckingham grabbed her inappropriately in 2011.
Mr Buckingham has denied the allegation, saying there were female witnesses who would corroborate his denial.
He said the delay in finalising the complaint was part of an "ongoing factional attack".
Lee Rhiannon, a federal senator for NSW, used social media to call on Mr Buckingham to step aside while the alleged incident was being investigated.
"Given the incredibly serious nature of these allegations, while holding a position of great privilege, Jeremy Buckingham must immediately at least stand aside while the investigation is completed", she wrote.
In response to Ms Rhiannon's call for him to stand down, Mr Buckingham told the ABC he was "not going anywhere".
Senator Rhiannon described the women's claims about the complaints process as "deeply troubling and devastating".
"It is clear from tonight's [ABC 7.30] program that our processes have failed these women. This should be a moment of deep reflection and unwavering commitment to do better," she said.
In a statement yesterday, Australian Greens leader Senator Richard Di Natale said it was "devastating" that the party's complaints-handling process was letting women down.
"To the women involved in these matters, on behalf of our party, we are deeply sorry that our response left you feeling alone and unsupported. You deserved better," he said.
Mr Buckingham's parliamentary party colleague and factional rival David Shoebridge tweeted the Greens had "failed" the women who spoke to the ABC.
"No-one in good conscience can ever accept this as right," he said.
Topics: greens, political-parties, sexual-offences, government-and-politics, state-parliament, nsw, sydney-2000, australia
First posted