The short version
- The leader of the opposition in the Australian Capital Territory admitted to sending a text message stating his job was boring while attending a parliamentary hearing.
- Parton denied claims that the message was sent to a sex worker, though he declined to answer questions about his history with such individuals.
- The standards commissioner dismissed the complaint without launching an investigation, citing insufficient evidence or political motivation, while police are reviewing a separate harassment matter.
Mark Parton, the leader of the opposition in the Australian Capital Territory, has admitted to sending a text message during a parliamentary hearing that read, 'fuck, my job is boring.' The admission came after an anonymous complaint was lodged with the Legislative Assembly’s commissioner for standards, alleging that Parton had sent the message to a sex worker. While Parton confirmed he authored the text, he firmly denied the allegation regarding the recipient's identity.
The controversy stems from a budget estimates hearing held on Friday, which focused on plans to redevelop Telstra Tower in consultation with the local Ngunnawal Indigenous community. According to reports, an image captured Parton sending a photo taken from his seat at the committee table, followed by the messages complaining about boredom and asking to swap jobs. The Canberra Times first published details of this exchange, sparking immediate scrutiny over the appropriateness of his conduct during official proceedings.
At a press conference on Thursday morning, Parton stated that the standards commissioner had informed him the allegations would not be investigated. He outlined three potential reasons for such a decision: insufficient evidence, the complaint being frivolous or vexatious, or it being politically motivated. Parton suggested that one or all of these factors likely applied, though he noted the commissioner did not specify which reason drove the decision to dismiss the case.
When pressed by reporters on whether the allegations were true, Parton initially deflected by referencing the dismissal of the complaint and arguing the matter was not in the public interest. After being asked three times specifically about sending the text, he conceded that he had indeed sent it. However, he continued to deny that the message was directed at a sex worker. When questioned further about whether he had ever engaged with sex workers, Parton declined to answer, stating he did not believe such personal inquiries served the public interest.
Parton defended his behavior by characterizing himself as a 'multi-tasker from hell' and describing his communication style as off-the-cuff and larrikin. He argued that many people perceive budget estimates hearings as dull and suggested that humans have the right to use private devices for personal matters unrelated to public wealth. He maintained that sending personal messages during such sessions was not inherently inappropriate, despite the formal nature of the proceedings.
The incident has drawn criticism from ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who emphasized the importance of estimates hearings in parliamentary accountability. Barr noted that these hearings span approximately 75 hours over two weeks and involve hundreds of officials assisting the Assembly in scrutinizing government administration and expenditure. He suggested that if Parton finds the process boring, it might be an argument for examining the format in the future rather than a reflection on the importance of the work being undertaken.
Despite the backlash, Parton ruled out resigning from his position. He stated that he believed he still had the full backing of his party room, although he acknowledged that some members were dismayed and disappointed by the incident. He indicated that while conversations had taken place overnight, he did not foresee a critical mass forming to push for a change in leadership. The matter remains under review by police as a harassment complaint, according to statements from Parton's spokesperson.
The standards commissioner has been contacted for comment regarding the decision not to investigate the original complaint. As the political fallout continues, the incident highlights ongoing tensions around conduct expectations within parliamentary settings and the boundaries of personal behavior during official duties. The resolution of the police investigation may provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the text exchange.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Australian politician admits to sending text saying ‘my job is boring’ during a hearing
