South Australian Police said that MP Sam Duluk who was accused of inappropriate behaviour at a Christmas party last year is to be summonsed to appear in court to answer a charge of basic assault.

According to a report on the ABC website, the claims against Sam Duluk were being investigated by police and that the investigation had been completed.

SA Police said in statement that: “With regard to the matter involving a 36-year-old man from the southern suburbs reported for basic assault, alleged to have occurred on 13 December 2019 — the matter is currently with the Prosecution Services Branch. … The man will be summonsed to attend court at a later date.”

Mr Duluk allegedly slapped SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros on the backside at function at the SA Parliament House on 13 December, last year.

The incident was made public in January and Ms Bonaros told Neos Kosmos at the time that although she had not discussed the matter openly, she had been forced to respond when the matter was made public.

“Over the past few days, my office has been contacted by two separate media outlets about this matter. I have no idea who released these details to the media.

“I had not intended to discuss this matter openly at this stage but because it has now been made public feel I must respond. I have been taking legal advice in relation to the matter and continue to consider my options,” she said.

“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 told Neos Kosmos at the time.

Neos Kosmos reported that Mr Duluk apologised for inappropriate behaviour through Twitter, adding that he had apologised in person to Ms Bonaro.

Mr Duluk suspended his membership of the Liberal Party in February and said he would stay away from parliament, after the alleged incident against Ms Bonaros was reported to the police.

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It was reported this week, however, that Mr Duluk appeared in the South Australian Parliament and expressed his views on his state goverment’s legislation in reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic.

SA Premier Steven Marshall said he was not aware that Mr Duluk had appeared at the parliament and that his membership to the Liberal Party had not been restored.