Australia: Lidia Thorpe and David Vann Rock the Senate

[Laan Yaa Mo]

Did anyone else see yesterday's dramatic events in the Australian Senate? It was really shocking. First off, Lidia Thorpe spoke up during a speech by David Vann and accused him of sexual assault in a stairwell of Parliament and harassment. Vann countered by denying the events mentioned by Ms. Thorpe. The Speaker of the Senate asked Thorpe to withdraw her remarks which she eventually did, but not immediately as requested by the Speaker. The Liberal Leader, Mr. Dutton, has now removed Mr. Vann from the Party Room (I'm not sure what this means). It turns out that new allegations have emerged about Mr. Vann's misbehaviour. Try and see the exchange in the Senate between Thorpe and Vann.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-14/ ... /102480086

https://theconversation.com/peter-dutto ... him-207826

[Whistler]

LYM,

I have typically considered Lydia Thorpe as a bit of an attention-seeking, slightly wacky individual, but this episode has a ring of truth to it. In fact, I think she handled it quite well, calling for all parts of parliament to be covered by CCTV, we have seen a lot of hanky panky in the houses of government, greater CCTV coverage can help better protect females, or for that matter, males subject to unwanted stuff.

Now waiting for Dutton to claim Katy Gallagher knew about it ages ago.

[Laan Yaa Mo]

Make that David Van.

[Whistler]

Make that David Van.

The guy has form with Thorpe, when she was addressing the house recently he was making sounds like a dog in the senate, only heard by a few in the house, so the speaker never called him out. Seems a nasty piece of work and well done Dutton taking action so swiftly.

[Laan Yaa Mo]

LYM,

I have typically considered Lydia Thorpe as a bit of an attention-seeking, slightly wacky individual, but this episode has a ring of truth to it. In fact, I think she handled it quite well, calling for all parts of parliament to be covered by CCTV, we have seen a lot of hanky panky in the houses of government, greater CCTV coverage can help better protect females, or for that matter, males subject to unwanted stuff.

Now waiting for Dutton to claim Katy Gallagher knew about it ages ago.

She certainly caught people's attention. I watched it on ABC and found the exchange between her and Van riveting. I don't know much about Dutton, but he has done the right thing here. An expulsion from the Party would be the next logical step if Van is found guilty in any of these cases.

[Whistler]

He might resign and create a casual vacancy which will be filled by another liberal without any need for an election. Regardless he has been such a poor performer, he will be disendorced next Senate election due in about 18 months time.

[jackspratt]

The guy has form with Thorpe, when she was addressing the house recently he was making sounds like a dog in the senate, only heard by a few in the house, so the speaker never called him out.

You seem to be confusing Sen. Thorpe with Sen. Lambie.

The latter may feel offended.

[Whistler]

My apologies, Jack you are correct. Not a good look regardless

[Whistler]

3rd recorded incident reveal against Van, Dutton has called for his resignation.

[Laan Yaa Mo]

3rd recorded incident reveal against Van, Dutton has called for his resignation.

Good move, now both parties should work to make Parliament more safe for everyone as a place of work. Get those cameras installed, pronto.

[marjamlew]

The party of rorters and rapists being true to form. No surprises here.

[Whistler]

Van has resigned from Liberal party but not Parliament. Poor man, he claims there was no procedural fairness in dealing with complaints.