Complaint to chief before MP resigns over staff affair – Australian Associated Press

The leader of the Victorian Greens says she received a complaint about a state deputy before he resigned over a relationship with a staff member.

Prahran MP Sam Hibbins announced on Friday that he was resigning from the Greens and working as an independent MP after he had a “consensual relationship with a staff member that breached party rules”.

“I recognize that this was a significant error in judgment and I understand the distress this has caused,” he wrote in a statement.

Following his statement, Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell told reporters that the Department of Parliamentary Services had informed her on Tuesday of the alleged serious complaint against Mr Gibbins.

According to her, the complaint concerned inappropriate behavior towards the employee.

“I have met with him (Mr Hibbins) … my understanding since then and from his statement today is that he confirms some of these allegations and denies others,” she told reporters.

Ms Sandell said staff were “very upset” and the party was doing everything it could to support them.

Mr Gibbins has been contacted to respond to these claims.

Ms Sandell said Mr Hibbins “does not meet the standard of behavior expected of any MP”.

“I’m angry. Everyone, and especially women, deserve respect and safety everywhere, but especially in the workplace,” she said.

Federal Greens leader Adam Bandt said he supported Ms Sandell and the Victorian Greens party for “immediate and decisive action”.

Mr Gibbins, who is married with two children, said he was aware his announcement would distract him from working with the Greens but would “remain committed to serving (his) Prahran electorate”.

“I accept the consequences of my decisions,” he said.

“I am working to make amends to the most important people in my life, my family and our community.”

Parliamentary Services Secretary Trish Burrows would not confirm whether the office was investigating the complaint against Mr Gibbins, but said it took its obligations to all staff seriously.

“All workplace issues that arise at DPS are dealt with appropriately with the welfare of center staff in mind, this includes meeting our confidentiality obligations to staff,” the AAP said.