'I've had a consensual relationship with a staff member from my office,' Victorian MP confesses
Victorian MP Sam Hibbins has announced his resignation from the state party room after confessing that he had a brief affair with a staff member.
"I've had a consensual relationship with a staff member from my office," Hibbins admitted in a Facebook post. "This short relationship ended some time ago, but it does breach our party room rules."
Hibbins said he is standing down from the Greens Party Room, where he was the co-deputy leader along with Sarah Mansfield.
"I accept the consequences of my decisions that affect my personal and professional lives. I am working to make amends to the most important people in my life, my family and our community," he said.
Hibbins, who is married with two children, added that he recognises his error of judgment and understands the distress it has caused.
"I deeply regret what has happened. I have made a very human mistake, but I am working to find the best way forward."
He is expected to continue in the seat of Prahran as an independent MP.
"I leave the party room with goodwill towards my Greens colleagues. They're doing a terrific job. I wish them well in the future," Hibbins said.
On the other hand, Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell condemned Hibbins' inappropriate behaviour towards the staff member.
"I want to say very clearly that I am angry. Everyone, especially women, deserves respect and safety in their workplace," Sandell said in a statement.
"The Member for Prahran has completely lost my trust, and the trust of his colleagues, and he will never be welcomed back to our Party Room."
According to Sandell, none of the other MPs nor supervising senior staff had any knowledge of the affair before it was brought to her on Tuesday.
"This behaviour was a clear breach of our Greens guidelines and rules for MPs," she said. "We have clear rules and processes in our efforts to keep our staff safe and the Member for Prahran chose to breach those rules."
Sandell assured that they are providing support to the staff member, who has requested privacy and her confidentiality to be protected.
"I've spoken to the staff member and my primary concern through all of this is her wellbeing," she said. "Women do not deserve to have their lives dragged through the media because of the behaviour of men."
