Feb 15 • 20:33 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

NT politician accused of bullying by two staffers, leaders stay silent

Northern Territory MLA Tanzil Rahman faces bullying accusations from two female staffers while leading a parliamentary committee.

Tanzil Rahman, a member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly representing Fong Lim, has been accused of bullying two female staffers during his tenure as chair of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs committee, which was overseeing discussions on the Northern Territory's Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation. The allegations surfaced late last year and have prompted concerns about the government's handling of the situation, as Rahman was removed from his committee role in November without any formal public response from government leaders.

The lack of transparency and accountability has led the Labor Opposition to urge NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro to address the allegations publicly. They are seeking clarification on the procedures that were followed in response to the complaints and why no statements have been made regarding such serious allegations against an elected official. This raises broader questions about workplace culture and the treatment of staff within the political landscape.

The silence from political leaders amid these serious allegations may undermine public confidence in the integrity of the Northern Territory government. As the call for an explanation grows louder, this situation serves as a crucial moment for assessing issues of power dynamics, bullying, and the necessary protections for staff working in government positions, highlighting the importance of addressing such concerns promptly and effectively.

📡 Similar Coverage