A NSW Liberal MP accused of sending expletive-laden text messages to a senior female party figure has apologised for what he says was an “ugly and undignified parting of ways”.
Key points:
- The senior Liberal Party woman has lodged a formal complaint
- The Liberal Party has appointed a senior counsel to conduct an investigation
- Taylor Martin has apologised and stepped away from the party room
Taylor Martin has stood aside from the party room after the woman, with whom he had been in a relationship, lodged a formal complaint to the Liberal Party.
The ABC understands the allegations stem from when Mr Martin worked as a staffer in federal parliament years ago and that the complainant was a senior woman in the party.
“I was young and inexperienced and I found myself involved in a situation that was way beyond me,” Mr Martin, who is now 32, said in a statement.
“There were heated words during my attempts to go separate ways that I sincerely regret.
“It was an ugly and undignified parting of ways. If I could undo any hurt that has been caused I would do it in a heartbeat.
“I am so sorry and apologise unreservedly to everyone that has been caught up in it.”
Mr Martin has sat in the NSW upper house since 2017, when he was chosen to replace former police minister Mike Gallacher, who resigned from parliament.
The Liberal Party has appointed a senior counsel to conduct an independent investigation.
The ABC understands Mr Martin first learnt of the complaint on Friday and has not seen the official allegations against him.
“I truly welcome the process that the party has commenced and I intend to fully cooperate,” he said.
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said he had spoken with Mr Martin.
“[Mr Martin] will excuse himself from the party room for the time being,” he said.
A Liberal Party spokesperson said the party was providing support to the woman who made the complaint.
“At all times, the party has respected the agency and wishes of the person who has come forward,” they said.
“The matter is being treated confidentially, and the party will not be making any further comment while the independent investigation is taking place.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he did not know enough about the circumstances of the case to comment specifically.
“There’s an independent complaints officer in New South Wales Parliament for those who are concerned about or have an issue that they want to report,” he said.
“I would encourage people to use that process, not just in relation to that MP, but it might be a Labor MP that a staff member or an MP is concerned about.”