The media raised with me matters concerning Senator Thorpe, which I wasn’t aware of until the media raised them. I have since looked into those matters.
I have asked Senator Thorpe for her resignation as Deputy Leader in the Senate and I have received her resignation.
As Leader I expect my Senators and MPs, especially those in leadership positions, to exercise good judgement.
At a minimum, Senator Thorpe needed to disclose to me her connection to Mr Martin and her failure to do so showed a significant lack of judgement.
Senator Thorpe says she understands this, so now I expect her to demonstrate better judgement going forward and in exercising her continuing portfolio responsibilities.
I note also that Senator Thorpe has not held the Justice portfolio since the election.
Senator Thorpe has important work to do on First Nations justice including on progressing Truth, Treaty and Voice and I want her to be able to do that work.
