The SHOCKING and Scandalous Paths Men Follow in Politics Once Exposed! You Won’t Believe What Happens Next!

Additional Piece: The Prevalence of Men in Politics Evading Accountability

In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases in Australian politics where male politicians accused of serious crimes have been allowed to evade accountability through various means. These cases highlight a disturbing trend in which men in positions of power are protected in ways that their female victims can never experience. Despite some instances of swift action, the overall political landscape still remains toxic and biased in favor of male offenders.

One such case is that of former Liberal senator David Van, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by three women. Rather than resigning from parliament, Van has chosen to take “health leave,” providing him an opportunity to escape the consequences of his actions. This decision serves as a blow to the three women who have bravely come forward with their allegations, as it shows a lack of accountability and a failure to address the seriousness of the issue.

Unfortunately, Van’s situation is not unique. Over the years, we have witnessed a pattern of male politicians resorting to similar tactics when faced with allegations of misconduct. In 2021, former Attorney General Christian Porter tearfully announced that he would be taking mental health leave after being accused of rape. He used his distress as an excuse to evade responsibility and vowed to focus on building a legal case against the national broadcaster instead. Porter’s access to psychological counseling, funded by taxpayers, was resumed before he returned to his role in Parliament. Notably, no investigation was launched into the allegations against him by the Liberal Party.

Another notable case is that of former Education Minister Alan Tudge, who was involved in an abusive affair with his former staff member. Tudge also took a leave of absence before returning to his role several weeks later. The fact that Tudge’s close friend, former Attorney General Christian Porter, faced similar accusations and took a similar approach raises questions about the culture within Australian politics.

The case of Queensland LNP MP Andrew Laming further emphasizes the issue at hand. When harassment allegations against him were aired in a series of reports, Laming issued a statement but instead of facing consequences, he was merely instructed to undergo “empathy and awareness” training. He then went on a medical leave for an unspecified period but returned to his duties two months later, suggesting that his departure was never intended to be permanent. Prime Minister Scott Morrison defended Laming’s decision, commending his contributions while in Parliament.

One Nation’s Mark Latham’s case provides yet another example of male politicians avoiding accountability. Latham was fired earlier this year after posting a homophobic tweet directed at independent MP Alex Greenwich. Despite facing widespread backlash, Latham refused to apologize, reinforcing the perception that these men feel they are above reproach.

These stories highlight a clear double standard when it comes to holding politicians accountable for their actions. Male politicians accused of serious crimes are protected and given avenues to avoid facing the repercussions, while their female victims face hurdles and a lack of support. This disparity exposes the deeply ingrained biases and inequalities within the Australian political system.

While there have been some instances where action against male offenders has been swift, such as the recent call by Coalition leader Peter Dutton for David Van to resign from the Liberal Party, it is important to acknowledge that this action came only after another Liberal MP, Amanda Stoker, brought forward a second misconduct charge against Van. If independent senator Lidia Thorpe had been the sole whistleblower, it is likely that nothing would have been done. The existence of pre-existing narratives about Thorpe’s behavior suggests that Van would have been able to escape unscathed and even cast himself as the victim.

Furthermore, even with the firm stance taken by the Liberal Party, Van’s access to “medical leave” creates a loophole that allows him to avoid answering difficult questions. Van’s spokesperson has stated that he hopes an investigation by the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service will help clear his name. It is crucial to note that he cannot be forced to resign from parliament; he must make that decision on his own. Given that he has five weeks of vacation and the knowledge that many men before him have gotten away with similar actions, it is uncertain whether Van will choose to step down. The plight of his alleged victims, having witnessed the treatment of Brittany Higgins and others, may lead them to the heartbreaking realization that they lack the resources and support necessary to pursue justice.

In conclusion, the cases outlined above reveal the troubling reality of men in Australian politics evading accountability for their actions. These instances highlight a systemic bias that favors male offenders over female victims. While there have been notable calls for action in some cases, the overall landscape continues to perpetuate a toxic environment that allows men to escape the consequences of their actions. It is imperative for the Australian political system to address these inequities and create a culture of accountability that ensures justice for all.

Summary:

The article discusses several recent cases of male politicians in Australia evading accountability for their actions. It highlights the instances of former Liberal senator David Van taking “health leave” in the face of sexual misconduct allegations and draws comparisons to similar situations involving other politicians. The article argues that men in politics accused of serious crimes are often protected in ways that female victims are not. It cites examples of politicians resorting to mental health leave, undergoing empathy and awareness training, and refusing to apologize for their actions. The piece asserts that these cases reflect a toxic and biased political environment that allows male offenders to elude consequences. Despite some instances of swift action, such as the call for Van’s resignation, the overall landscape favors male politicians and impedes justice for their victims. The article concludes by highlighting the need for systemic change and a culture of accountability within the Australian political system.

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In the midst of a fire of epic proportions, former Liberal senator David Van will not resign from parliament. Instead, in a kick to the guts to the now three women who have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against him, Van will be taking “health leave” while the mess he’s made melts away.

It’s a familiar plot twist for men caught up in politics.

With a modicum of mental energy, I can count several cases in which this has happened in recent years.

In 2021, for example, we saw then-Attorney General Christian Porter tearfully announce that the number of landmark rape allegations against him had caused him so much distress that he would be taking mental health leave.

“After speaking with my doctor and family, I have decided that the best thing for me at this time is to spend a few weeks of downtime meticulously preparing a strategic legal case against the national broadcaster,” Porter said.

“I am not ashamed to say that I will seek professional help and would encourage other Australians facing their own problems to do the same.”

At the same press conference (several days after news broke that a then-undisclosed senior government minister was accused of rape), Porter said that when friends and family asked her “are you okay?” that he had to be honest and say that he wasn’t sure.

His access to psychological counselling, at taxpayer expense, was resumed before he returned to parliament in the same role with a salary of $370,000, three weeks later.

An investigation by the Liberal Party into the allegations against Porter was never launched.

Former Education Minister Alan Tudge, a close friend of Porter’s, was also absent the same year, when allegations that an affair he had with his former staff member was abusive.

Tudge also returned to his role several weeks later.

The same year, Queensland LNP MP Andrew Laming issued a statement after Nine News aired the harassment allegations against him in a series of reports.

Then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison did not fire him, instead instructing him to undergo “empathy and awareness” training.

“I will resign from all parliamentary roles with immediate effect and will complete the two advisory courses that I have committed to; as well as additional clinical advice, and to request privacy while it is completed,” Laming’s statement read.

The then-MP for Bowman said he would be on medical leave for an unspecified period of time, but returned from leave two months later, suggesting he had never promised to permanently step down from his extra-parliamentary duties. Scott Morrison defended Laming’s decision, praising him for doing “a lot of good things” while he was in parliament.

And, in another classic example, One Nation’s Mark Latham was fired earlier this year after posting a vile and reprehensible homophobic tweet directed at independent MP Alex Greenwich.

True to form, Latham refused to apologize despite the fierce backlash: “Never apologize, never explain,” he said.

So what do these stories tell us? Apart from the fact that Australia’s political makeup is still seriously toxic.

They tell us that men in politics accused of serious crimes are protected in a way that female victims can never have.

Yes, the new Coalition leader, Peter Dutton, took a quicker stance on David Van than his predecessor. His call for Van to resign from the Liberal Party was welcomed.

But the call came only after the Liberal MP, Amanda Stoker, brought Van’s second misconduct charge. If independent senator Lidia Thorpe had been the only one to raise the alarm, nothing would have happened. The narrative of Thorpe’s often erratic behavior was already circulating. Van would have prevailed, unscathed. He would have been the victim.

Even now, despite the hard line of the Liberal Party, Van’s access to “medical leave” will save him from answering many questions. Van’s spokesman said the senator hopes an investigation by Parliamentary Workplace Support Service could help clear his name. He cannot be forced to resign from parliament; he must choose to resign.

With 5 weeks of vacation and the sure knowledge that countless men have gotten away with it before him, will he falter? He will recalibrate, build a case, and come back swinging.

And its alleged victims, having seen what happened to Brittany Higgins, may come to the heartbreaking conclusion that they don’t have enough gas in the tank to drive this to their death.

‘Health leave’: The hasty detour men in politics take when they get found out

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