Gippsland › Latest news › Emma Kealy MP
Dan Andrews walks away from apology opportunity for dismissive comments on toxic bullying culture allegations in Victorian Labor party
Premier Daniel Andrews has walked away from another opportunity to apologise for comments dismissing a Labor MP's allegations of a toxic bullying culture within the Labor Party as "fantasy".
Yesterday, senior government Minister Tim Pallas offered a long overdue apology to Upper House MP Kaushaliya Vaghela after he questioned her "state of mind" in response to Ms Vaghela exposing serious allegations of bullying and intimidation of women in the Labor Party. But the Premier has refused to do the same, despite appearing before the media today to tout the government's track-record on mental health.
Premier Daniel Andrews has rejected claims by one of his colleagues that there is a toxic culture in the Labor Party
Offer a genuine apology
Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Shadow Minister for Women, Emma Kealy, said it was the height of arrogance for the Premier to wax lyrical on mental health while failing to set a high standard within the ranks of his own Party.
"When these allegations were first reported to the Premier's office in 2019, they were dismissed and last month when they finally became public, the Premier's cruel response was to label them "fantasy without foundation, I believe Kaushaliya Vaghela." Ms Kealy said.
"The Premier must come out and offer a genuine apology, not be forced to as a recommendation of the WorkSafe investigation currently taking place as a result of the toxic treatment of women by his own private Office. Every woman has a right to feel safe at work. All women deserve to be heard, to be believed."Ms Kealy said.
Investigation on allegations
Ms Kealy also said, "Every day that passes without the Premier condemning the toxic culture in Victorian Labor and refusing to apologise for his own comments, is another day the Premier endorses misogynistic, bullying behaviour towards women."
"Women just want to be able to go to work and do our job, without fear of facing demeaning, intimidating behaviour from colleagues. Premier - the standard you walk past is the standard you accept."
"The Premier must apologise and guarantee any investigation into serious allegations of bullying in Victorian Labor will go ahead without interference, intimidation or stonewalling from him or his State Labor Government." Ms Kealy concluded.
Pictures from Harriet Shing MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
More frontline police officers in Gippsland urgently needed to deter criminal activity
Applications for Victorian Landcare Grants for West Gippsland open until 30 April 2024
Barry Beach Marine Terminal anticipates pivotal shift in maritime operations to soon host world largest construction vessel
Corinella Boating and Angling Clubhouse needs funding gap bridged so serving multiple community groups and continue
Luke Connell appointed Director of Planning and Development for Baw Baw Shire Council
Latrobe City engages with Net Zero Authority to advocating transition plan and help secure regional prosperity
Martin Cameron presses Minister Ros Spence for clarity amid club concerns in Latrobe Valley on sport voucher program
New fresh food tax bill threatens higher living costs and will be detrimental to Gippsland families and farmers
To avoid disillusionment in Federal Labour government its housing and power promises must be fulfilled