Mr Ashby had launched legal action against the former speaker more than two years ago, alleging sexual harassment and a breach of contract.
In a statement issued today, Mr Ashby said Mr Slipper’s mental state was among the reasons he is seeking leave to drop the action after “an intense and emotionally draining” time.
“One of the key reasons I started this action was to stop Peter Slipper’s behaviour,” he said.
“I am confident this has been achieved. I also raised what are now known as the Cabcharge allegations, concerning Mr Slipper’s use of Cabcharge vouchers.
“I note, without further comment, that Mr Slipper is currently facing criminal charges relating to misuse of Cabcharge entitlements.”
Mr Ashby was not available for further comment.
Mr Slipper lost his bid to have criminal charges over alleged fraudulent travel claims thrown out of the ACT Supreme Court last month.
He now faces a hearing in the ACT Magistrates Court, scheduled to be heard over a week next month.
He has pleaded not guilty to three criminal charges relating to the dishonest use of a taxpayer-funded Cabcharge card for $1000 worth of trips to wineries near Canberra in 2010, before he became House of Representatives speaker.
The former Queensland Nationals and Liberal MP held the seat of Fisher for two decades before being defeated at the polls last September.
