Lead

ACT Opposition Leader Mark Parton has admitted sending a text message that read "fuck, my job is boring" during a parliamentary hearing, while denying allegations that he sent it to a sex worker. The admission came at a press conference on Thursday morning, after an anonymous complaint was referred to the Legislative Assembly's commissioner for standards.

The Canberra Times first reported the text exchange between Parton and an unidentified person, publishing an image showing Parton sending a photo taken from his seat at the committee table, followed by the messages: "fuck, my job is boring. Wanna swap." A screenshot of Parton's lemon8 social media account was also shared.

Coverage Comparison

ABC Australia reported that Parton admitted sending the text during budget estimates, which were held on Friday and concerned plans to redevelop Telstra Tower, as noted by The Guardian. Both outlets noted that the complaint alleged the text was sent to a sex worker, which Parton denies. They also reported that the standards commissioner has decided not to investigate the allegations, and both quoted Parton describing himself as a "multi-tasker from hell."

The Guardian described the complaint as anonymous and noted the standards commissioner's decision, while ABC Australia provided additional detail from Commissioner Ken Crispin, who confirmed he would not investigate a complaint if there was insufficient evidence, if the complaint was frivolous in nature, or if there was political motivation behind it. Both outlets quoted Parton's denial and his characterization of the complaint as politically motivated.

Key Claims

  • Mark Parton admitted sending a text message that read "fuck, my job is boring" during a parliamentary hearing. He denied the text was sent to a sex worker.
  • The standards commissioner dismissed the allegations and no investigation will be launched.
  • Mark Parton described himself as a "multi-tasker from hell."
  • The text was sent during a budget estimates hearing on Friday about plans to redevelop Telstra Tower. (Reported by The Guardian)
  • A screenshot of Mark Parton's lemon8 social media account was shared. (Reported by ABC Australia)
  • Commissioner Ken Crispin confirmed he would not investigate a complaint if there was insufficient evidence, if the complaint was frivolous in nature, or if there was political motivation behind the complaint. (Reported by ABC Australia)

Context

At the press conference, Parton said the standards commissioner had told him the allegations had been dismissed. "The three reasons that [the standards commissioner] can choose to not investigate a complaint are A: that there is insufficient evidence, B: that it is a frivolous or vexatious complaint, or C: that it's politically motivated," Parton said, as quoted by The Guardian. "The commissioner didn't give me advice as to which one of those three, but I think you can decide which one or all of the above."

A statement released by Parton's spokesperson last night, quoted by ABC Australia, denied the allegations in full: "These claims are false, malicious and a clear attempt to smear the Leader of the Opposition."