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Independent Clark MP Kristie Johnston has used parliamentary privilege to accuse former Tasmanian Labor leader David O'Byrne of sexually harassing multiple women.
Mr O'Byrne has denied the new allegations.
Key points:
- Former Labor leader David O'Byrne yesterday refused calls for him to resign from Parliament and from the Labor Party
- Independent Clark MP Kristie Johnston is the sister of the original complainant against Mr O'Byrne
- She has used parliamentary privilege to accuse him of sexually harassing other women, with one complaint as recent as last year
Ms Johnston's sister Rachel Midson was the complainant who alleged Mr O'Byrne sexually harassed her when he was her boss at the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union in 2007 and 2008.
An internal Labor Party investigation found while Mr O'Byrne's behaviour towards Ms Midson was inappropriate, it did not amount to sexual harassment or victimisation as defined by the party's policy.
Ms Johnston on Tuesday advanced a motion in the House of Assembly that the Tasmanian Parliament condemns sexual harassment in workplaces.
Speaking to the motion, she said Mr O'Byrne and the Labor Party had characterised the behaviour Ms Midson complained of as an isolated incident.
ABC News: Maren Preuss
)"But Mr Speaker, there are other women who have been victims of Mr O'Byrne's sexual harassment and unwanted advances," Ms Johnston told the Parliament.
"With each woman, the complaint is remarkably similar: vulgar and unsolicited text messages of a sexual nature, abhorrent sexually explicit comments directed at them, physical advances that made them feel uncomfortable and unsafe, inappropriate touching of a sexual nature.
"And each of these women know of others."
Mr O'Byrne released a statement after Ms Johnston made her allegations, rejecting the claim that he harassed multiple women.
"I reject further unsubstantiated allegations made under parliamentary privilege following my statement," the statement said.
Ms Johnston's motion that the Parliament condemn sexual harassment in workplaces was supported by the government, the Greens and Labor.
'I am human and I made a mistake'
ABC News: Maren Preuss
)Earlier, Mr O'Byrne told the Parliament he accepted his actions in relation to Ms Johnston's sister had been inappropriate, however at the time he believed they were consensual.
He said he had resigned from the Labor caucus but remained in Parliament as Franklin MP and a Labor member because he felt a duty to represent his constituents.
"Mr Speaker, I am human and I made a mistake. I've paid a price. I'll strive to be better," he said.
Mr O'Byrne called for the Labor Party to release the full investigation report to the complainant and him.