Leanne Castley, a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly, has resigned from the Liberal Party, alleging she was the victim of a physical assault threat. In a statement, Castley said she felt unsafe and that the threat was made by a fellow party member. She described the incident as part of a toxic political culture that has become unbearable.
Details of the Allegation
Castley claimed that during a heated exchange, a colleague threatened to physically harm her. She reported the matter to party leadership but said her concerns were not adequately addressed. The alleged threat has raised questions about workplace safety in the ACT Parliament.
Response from the Liberal Party
The ACT Liberal Party has expressed regret over Castley's resignation but denied any knowledge of a physical threat. A spokesperson said the party takes all complaints seriously and will investigate the matter. However, Castley maintains that the party failed to protect her.
Castley's resignation is a significant blow to the Liberal Party in the ACT, where it holds a minority of seats. She has served as an MLA since 2020 and was considered a rising star. Her departure leaves a vacancy that will be filled by a countback of votes from the last election.
In her resignation statement, Castley called for a cultural change in politics, urging parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of their members. She also thanked her supporters and constituents for their understanding.
The incident has sparked debate about bullying and harassment in Australian politics, with calls for stronger protections for politicians and staff. The ACT government has pledged to review its workplace policies in light of the allegations.
