#LidiaThorpe #accusesLiberal #SenatorDavid
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe retracted her comments under parliamentary prerogative, accusing her Liberal counterpart, David Van, of sexual assault and harassment, an allegation she "totally denies". Van was speaking in the Senate about the handling of Brittany Higgins' rape allegations when Thorpe intervened and began calling out "doer" and "you can talk." When Senate vice president Andrew McLachlan repeatedly asked Thorpe to stop, the independent senator stood up at a point of order. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe used her parliamentary prerogative to accuse her Liberal counterpart, David Van, of sexual assault and harassment. After being asked by McLachlan to retract the "inappropriate" comment, Thorpe continued. When promised again, Van described the accusation as "disgusting". It is just a lie and I reject it," he said. READ Sound architects rise as support for referendum falls below majority Van said he "strongly denies" the "disgusting" allegations. "I retract the word lie. " Late today, Thorpe retracted his remarks at the request of the vice president. I will make a statement on subject tomorrow to the knowledge of Senate," he said. Van made a statement this afternoon denying the allegations. McLachlan said the matter would be referred to Senate President Sue Lines.

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