“Australians are entitled to believe the oversight processes that are there in the parliament will be maintained in a way that ensures integrity and ensures that any information given there is kept in a confidential basis,” Mr Albanese said on the news about Senator Thorpe. Source: The Greens.
Greens deputy leader Lidia Thorpe has resigned from her position after it was revealed that she had a relationship with ex-bikie leader Dean Martin.
The ABC detailed that she had the relationship with Martin, who was long involved with the Victorian Rebels, while she was sitting on a parliamentary law enforcement committee, which often heard confidential information regarding bikie gangs and related crimes.
Thorpe confirmed the news saying she “briefly dated” him in early 2021 but they “remain friends” and often collaborate on projects that support the rights of First Nations peoples.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said that he was unaware of the relationship and the fact that Senator Thorpe failed to disclose this information was “disappointing”.
“Senator Thorpe had an important role not only as our justice spokesperson but on the law enforcement committee,” Mr Bandt said.
“Her friendship could be perceived as an issue given her work as a senator, especially on those committees.
“It was clear that this could be perceived as affecting her work.”
She was asked to hand in her resignation and did so today, also offering an official apology for her actions.
“I accept that I have made mistakes and have not exercised good judgment,” she said.
“I will now reflect on this and focus on my important portfolio work, especially advocating for First Nations people.”
It was the staff of Senator Thorpe that raised concerns over her relationship with Martin, urging her to tell Bandt and come clean about the relationship, however she did not take this advice.
A diary entry by one of the staff that spoke to her reads: “My advice to Senator is that she must speak to leader’s office, that she is at extreme risk of being extorted, particularly if someone finds out”.
“Senator (has been) advised that the risks are catastrophic and that she would have to resign. I advised that it was absolutely necessary that I record the fact that I have given her this advice, and that ultimately it was up to her to take it or not.
“She has chosen not to take it … I highlighted the huge, real, risk. She assured me the relationship was no longer underway.”
NewsCop does not suggest that Thorpe shared any confidential information with Martin and we do not suggest that he is still involved with outlaw motorcycle gangs.
While Senator Thorpe will no longer be deputy leader, she will remain a member of the Victorian Greens.
