Sam Duluk, liberal state member for Waite, has apologised for inappropriate behaviour following a sexual harassment complaint by Greek Australian Connie Bonaros MP.
Mr Duluk apologised via Twitter.
“I wish to publicly apologise to Ms Bonaros and anyone else who was offended by my actions at a Parliament House Christmas party,” Mr Duluk said, noting that he has already apologised in person to Ms Bonaros who accused the Liberal MP of inappropriate behaviour at the Christmas function a few days ago.
“I have spoken to the Premier and have advised him that out of respect for the Parliament, its staff and my colleagues, I will be tendering my resignation as presiding member of the Economic and Finance Committee.”
By resigning from his position as presiding member of the Economic and Finance Committee, Mr Duluk will no longer be receiving the extra pay given to committee chairs that is above an MP’s salary.
South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall said Mr Duluk decided to resign his position after a discussion the two men had.
“This type of behaviour is completely and utterly unacceptable,” Mr Marshall said.
“Sam Duluk recognises this.
“He deeply regrets the actions of late December.”
READ MORE: Greek Australian MP Connie Bonaros accuses fellow MP of sexual harassment
Mr Marshall said the resignation from his committee was a “very significant penalty”, however he was not required to resign as an “excellent Member for Waite” because of his “error of judgment”.
On the other hand, Labor deputy leader Susan Close said that Mr Marshall needed to do more.
“This Liberal MP has clearly sexually harassed a woman in the workplace.
“Connie Bonaros is a woman of integrity and that is what she has stated has happened.
“The Premier should remove this person from all public roles and should be publicly condemning this activity.
“It is unacceptable in today’s day and age for someone in a workplace to slap another person and for a person to speak inappropriately and behave in a sexually inappropriate manner,” she said.
