NSW Opposition threatens to name MP in sex allegations

NSW Opposition threatens to name MP in sex allegations
Reporter: Camille Funnell
COMPERE: In New South Wales the Opposition is demanding an independent inquiry into allegations that a State Labor MP sexually assaulted a young woman at State Parliament last month.

The State Opposition claims the woman, a member of the young Democrat, has been the subject of an orchestrated campaign to slur her name, but the State's Labor Premier, Bob Carr, has rejected the calls. He says the matter is now before the police.

And as Camille Funell reports, while the State Labor MP at the centre of the allegations is remaining quiet, others are trying to ensure that his name is known.

CAMILLE FUNELL: No mainstream media outlet has named the State Labor MP at the centre of the alleged sexual assault but today on the Internet, in an article with the title 'You're the Man', a State Labor MP is named over the alleged sexual assault of a young Democrat's official at a party at State Parliament on the eve of the Olympics.

The Internet site was set up by former Jeff Kennett staffer and self-titled 'Ignore trouble maker - Stephen Main [phonetic]'. The MP named in that article did not return PM's calls today.

For his part, New South Wales Labor Premier Bob Carr says he's not spoken to the MP at the centre of the sexual assault claims.

BOB CARR: No, and I won't. And I won't very deliberately for the reason I indicated on Friday, that this is a police matter and any attempt by me to involve myself in it would be taken as sending a wrong message to the police.

CAMILLE FUNELL: While the New South Wales Police Minister has referred investigation of the matter to the State's Police Integrity Commission, the State Opposition is not satisfied. Opposition leader Kerry Chikarovski wants an independent investigation into the issue.

KERRY CHIKAROVSKI: Well I believe that the Premier needs to make a decision as to who should make the inquiries. What we need to do in this whole process is ensure that the woman involved - that her privacy is protected and her wishes are protected.

The Premier has an ability to appoint someone to conduct an independent 'in-camera' inquiry and I'd urge him to do so.

CAMILLE FUNELLE: The State Liberal leader who's threatened to name the MP in State Parliament tomorrow claims the matter goes beyond just the issue of an alleged sexual assault. Kerry Chikarovski claims there was an orchestrated campaign to slur the name of the young woman involved.

KERRY CHIKAROVSKI: My actions in this whole matter relate to the fact that I find it appalling that in this day and age wherein a young woman makes an allegation of sexual assault the tactics that are used are to make her the guilty party. I find that absolutely and completely unacceptable.

We've moved beyond that. We've moved beyond the times when women who make these allegations suddenly find themselves the victims of slur campaigns and that certainly is one of the allegations that's now arisen out of this. There are allegations that she is being intimidated into the actions that she's taken because of the sorts of things that are being said about her.

UNIDENTIFIED: Who's making those allegations?

KERRY CHIKAROVSKI: Well, there's allegations - I can assure you that I am aware that those tactics are being used. I am aware those tactics are being used. There have been Stat Decs, or she has been told that there are Stat Decs that are available, about her behaviour and that is just disgusting.

CAMILLE FUNELLE: Her claims have received some backing from New South Wales Democrat Upper House Member Arthur Chesterfield Evans, who's been speaking to the young Democrat official allegedly sexually assaulted.

ARTHUR CHESTERFIELD EVANS: There was an affidavit which, I suppose, said in a way it's all consensual and, you know, put the MP in a better light I think than - well, I would have put him, certainly. And in a sense that meant they were going to defend the case but then I think that that was to be expected. If you're looking at a legal model, and...

CAMILLE FUNELL: The affidavit was signed by the MP concerned. Is that right?

ARTHUR CHESTERFIELD EVANS: No. It's not right.

CAMILLE FUNELL: By another MP, then?

ARTHUR CHESTERFIELD EVANS: No. By a person who'd been at the party.

CAMILLE FUNELL: But Arthur Chesterfield Evans is not so sure about the value of an independent inquiry.

ARTHUR CHESTERFIELD EVANS: Well look, generally I'm in favour of open process and inquiries being out in the open but I think - I think this thing's had quite a long enough airing. I think the MP involved has certainly been exposed, or will be exposed, and I'm not sure that an inquiry into the nitty-gritty will actually do anything really rather more than prolong the difficulty for the complainant.

CAMILLE FUNELL: Is it correct to say that the complainant doesn't want the matter to proceed any further?

ARTHUR CHESTERFIELD EVANS: Yes, it is.

CAMILLE FUNELL: And Premier Bob Carr is also warning the Opposition to keep out of the affair.

BOB CARR: Any attempt by anyone in politics to make an issue of party political contest will be disapproved of very strongly by the public. The public will not approve of politicians taking a serious matter like sexual assault and turning it into cheap political capital.

This is a police matter, it is subject to a police investigation. Anyone involved in it ought to cooperate with the police but I'm saying, very strongly, it is a policing matter and it belongs with the police.

CAMILLE FUNELL: As for whether the Liberal leader will honour her promise and name the State Labor MP in Parliament tomorrow under the Protection of Parliamentary Privilege - well, Kerry Chikarovski wasn't saying today.

KERRY CHIKAROVSKI: Well, I've said there are a number of options open to us. We'll wait and see what happens tomorrow. There are reports, as you know, in the newspapers today that the MP involved may name himself. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

COMPERE: A promise or a threat? New South Wales liberal Leader Kerry Chikarovski with Camille Funell.