Lidia Thorpe in the Senate accuses Liberal David Van of sexual assault, but later withdraws comments https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-14/lidia-thorpe-senate-accuses-david-van-sexual-assault/102480086
Senator Lidia Thorpe has used parliamentary privilege to accuse a Liberal senator of sexual assault, but later withdrew the remarks.
Lidia Thorpe said then Prime Minister Scott Morrison relocated Liberal David Van’s office after he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
We should listen to women if they make a claim of sexual assault, and we should believe them.
I'm not going to speculate on why Lidia Thorpe withdrew her comment from parliament, but think it's safe to say there will be more news to come.
I think Amanda Stoker's allegations are consistent with Lidia Thorpe's allegations. It sounds awfully like David Van is a serial sexual abuser.
It makes you wonder who else in the Liberal Party knew what happened and did little to disclose it. Who was the "senior female colleague" Stoker reported the alleged behaviour to? Did some people high-up in the Liberal Party "close ranks" to protect David Van? And, since Lidia Thorpe and Amanda Stoker have spoken-up, will any more victims come forward?