Former liberal MP Sam Duluk, charged with slapping SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros on the backside and making inappropriate comments, appeared before Adelaide Magistrates Court today charged with one count of basic assault.
Mr Duluk appeared in court for the first time since he was accused of assault at a 2019 Christmas party at South Australia’s Parliament House. The Member for Waite could face a penalty of two years’ jail if found guilty.
Marie Shaw QC for Mr Duluk said she would like to seek documents from Paul Hocking of Quark & Associates, who conducted an independent investigation into Mr Duluk’s behaviour. In January, then-speaker Vincent Tarzia released a statement that an independent investigator with “considerable experience” in such confidential investigations had been appointed to look into the case. The next month, Premier Steven Marshall banished Mr Duluk from the Liberal party room.
READ MORE: SA Best MP Connie Bonaros speaks up in Parliament over the impact assault has had on her
Mr Duluk had issued an apology on Twitter for “actions that have caused offence”.
“We are seeking, with consent, additional subpoenas for the production of documents,” she told
“We simply ask Your Honour to grant permission to issue and serve the subpoena on the contact officer for Quark & Associates.”
Magistrate Alfio Grasso granted the request.
Mr Duluk is no longer chairman of Parliament’s Economic and Finance Committee and said he would seek professional help for his alcohol use.
