ACT Attorney-General Tara Cheyne has been formally found to have violated the parliamentarians' code of conduct after sending an anonymous text message criticising Opposition member Elizabeth Lee to a local radio station.
Standards Commissioner delivers damning finding
The Assembly's Commissioner for Standards, Ken Crispin KC, determined that Ms Cheyne's actions breached the rules requiring members to act with integrity, honesty, and diligence at all times, and to be fair in their political dealings. The investigation was triggered by a formal complaint from Ms Lee.
Mr Crispin concluded that Ms Cheyne failed to exercise due diligence in preparing the text for media use. "In my opinion, it is incumbent upon a member considering offering public criticism of the conduct or character of another person to give due thought to the potential implications and fairness of the proposed statements," his report stated.
He emphasised that criticism, especially of a personal nature, should only occur after careful consideration of ethical constraints, including respect for the privacy and sensitivities of someone on approved leave.
'Lowest of blows' in wake of personal leave
The controversy stems from a text message read on ABC Radio Canberra's breakfast program in September. The message, attributed on air only to a "Labor MLA", was sharply critical of Ms Lee, accusing her of being "petulant" and questioning her level of participation in the Assembly.
Ms Lee had been granted personal leave from the Assembly after losing the 2024 election and being replaced as leader of the Canberra Liberals. She described the anonymous attack as "the lowest of blows".
"To use my personal leave as a political scoring point and an opportunity and not have the courage to put your name in it shows a lack of empathy and understanding of the struggles that she herself bravely came forward to talk about," Ms Lee said.
Her reference to Ms Cheyne's own struggles relates to a speech the Attorney-General made in October 2024, where she detailed her personal battle with deep depression and seeking medical help.
Apology accepted but integrity questioned
In response to the findings, Ms Cheyne offered a sincere and unconditional apology to Ms Lee, reiterating an earlier apology. In a letter, she admitted to "poor judgement" and said the incident had been "an unnecessary distraction".
"I most deeply regret the inference that there was any question about the purpose of your leave, or that I was calling it into question," Ms Cheyne wrote.
The Legislative Assembly's Administration and Procedure Standing Committee endorsed Mr Crispin's findings and recommended Ms Cheyne apologise to the full Assembly. Despite the breach, Opposition Leader Mark Parton indicated that Chief Minister Andrew Barr should maintain confidence in Ms Cheyne's position in cabinet.
Ms Lee, however, argued the incident undermined the integrity of the entire Assembly and its work to foster a safe and inclusive workplace. The episode highlights the ongoing tensions and personal challenges within the territory's political sphere.
