The federal Greens will work with the party’s NSW branch to improve the way it handles sexual misconduct complaints, leader Richard di Natale says, after a number of women came forward with stories of mishandling.
Senator Di Natale said the stories were “devastating” and showed the process was “not good enough", writing on Facebook in response to the allegations.
"Our party is rolling out mandatory independent training for party officials, staff and MPs, is providing clear pathways to support women to make complaints, and is committed to responding to claims in a way that is timely, sensitive and respectful," he said.
"To the women involved, on behalf of our party, I am deeply sorry that you felt alone and unsupported. You had the courage to come forward and you deserved better."
Lawyer Rory Markham, who specialises in class actions, is providing advice to a number of women who accuse the Greens of mishandling their complaints in the ACT, NSW and Victoria, according to the ABC.
Mr Markham said there was an attitude of “dismissiveness” and a desire to maintain the party’s reputation “at all costs”.
Some of the complaints have been public for some time.
The journalist Lauren Ingram posted tweets about her alleged rape by a Greens volunteer in 2015.
The NSW Greens say the man accused has been suspended indefinitely.
A former co-convenor of the NSW Young Greens, Holly Brooke, claimed she was indecently assaulted by a male party member in 2017.
She said when she complained, it was suggested she could teach the man a workshop on consent.
The Greens are still investigating at least one of the complaints.
