Another Australian government MP is under scrutiny for his actions towards women after he was accused of repeatedly harassing two women online.
Andrew Laming, 56, was ordered by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to apologise in parliament for his “disgraceful” behaviour, local media reported.
Both women accused him of slandering them online, with one saying it had left her feeling suicidal.
Mr Laming said he “unreservedly” apologised to both women.
A series of rape, misconduct and sexism allegations have rocked Australian politics in the past month, dominating national debate.
Mr Morrison has faced mounting pressure over his response to the allegations and broader cultural problems within politics.
What is Laming accused of?
A Channel Nine TV report aired on Thursday heard from two women who said they’d been repeatedly harassed by Mr Laming – who is their local MP – on Facebook.
Alix Russo said he had targeted her with verbal abuse, and falsely accused her of fraud and other business dealings.
The report included screenshots of Mr Laming’s comments, many of which attacked Ms Russo and ridiculed her business situation.
“Unfortunately for you, I make the rules and you follow them,” the MP wrote in response to one of her comments.
Another woman, Sheena Hewlett, said she and her husband – a local councillor – were also harassed by the MP.
Mr Laming apologised on Thursday for his social media posts.
“I want to unreservedly apologise to both Ms Hewlett and Ms Russo and I express my regret and deep apologies for the hurt and distress that that communication may have caused,” he said.
Mr Morrison said: “I called him into my office yesterday, and told him to apologise and deal with it – and he has.”
Labor called Mr Laming’s comments “shocking” and said he should resign.
What is the wider story?
Many Australians – particularly women – have long accused politicians and the political environment of being toxic towards women. They have called for sweeping cultural changes.
Focus on the issue was ignited in February, after a former political adviser said she had been raped in 2019 by a male colleague in a minister’s office.
Brittany Higgins, 26, reported the allegation to her boss – Defence Minister Linda Reynolds – but said she had felt pressure not to report it to police.
Later, Attorney General Christian Porter identified himself as the subject of a 1988 rape allegation – which he strongly denies. Police closed an investigation because his accuser is no longer alive.
Both Mr Porter and Ms Reynolds are on sick leave, but retain Mr Morrison’s support.
Earlier this week, a government adviser was fired after a video showed him performing a sex act on a female lawmaker’s desk.
Network Ten reported that parliament’s prayer room had also been used by politicians and staff for sex.
Mr Morrison has condemned the reports and vowed to “get this house in order”, but he has faced persistent accusations of not listening to women’s concerns.
Ms Higgins has accused him of using “gaslighting” language and doubting victims.
Earlier this week, she also demanded an investigation into claims that the prime minister’s office had sought to undermine her reputation.
Mr Morrison told Channel 9 on Thursday: “I may not have always got it as much as people would like me to, but I assure you, I am doing everything I can to understand it as best I can.”