Premier Steven Marshall banished South Australian MP Sam Duluk from the Liberal Parliamentary Party after the Waite MP failed to “come clean” on the entirety of his inappropriate behaviour against SA upper house member for Best, Connie Bonaros, at a pre-Christmas party late last year.
The launch of fresh police investigations caused the premier to oust the disgraced MP for behaviour that fell short of what would be expected of any member of parliament.
“I’m very disappointed with Sam Duluk, who I don’t think has come clean with me on the actions that took place on 13 December. Sam Duluk wasn’t upfront with me from Day One. We’ve had a drip-feed of information of what occurred on that evening. Now we have further allegations, we have a police investigation underway, and Sam Duluk is no longer a member of the parliamentary team,” said Premier Marshall, following police confirmation on the investigation of an allegation of basic assault.
Mr Marshall said details of the further – but as yet undisclosed – allegations against Mr Duluk, were not provided by the MP himself, adding that the police would decide whether there would be further charges.
Mr Duluk released a statement announcing his suspension from the membership of the Liberal Party and that he would take leave from Parliament. The MP’s shameful actions first came to light when Ms Bonaros prompted Premier Marshall to counsel his MP after the latter slapped her on the behind and kept sending her and another female member unwanted text messages on that same night.
Ms Bonaros had told Neos Kosmos that initially she had not intended to discuss the matter openly but because it was made public, she felt the need to respond.
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“All women should feel safe in their workplace. All men should understand that their harassing conduct can have a terrible impact on how safe women feel at work. I was not the only woman who was the recipient of improper conduct that night. I am hopeful this matter will be dealt with appropriately. Because of our desire for privacy and the fact that I reported the matter I feel it’s inappropriate for me to comment further,” she had said.
Deputy Labor leader Susan Close, who had condemned the MP’s behaviour as soon as it came to light, said the evidence stacking up against Mr Duluk meant he should consider no longer being a member of Parliament.
Neos Kosmos contacted Ms Bonaros who apart from confirming the event, said she does “not intend to discuss the issue concerning Mr Duluk in the future.”
A report from the investigation is due to be finalised soon.