Pressure is increasing on the New South Wales Parliament to take disciplinary action against independent MP Mark Latham, following media reports alleging he took photographs of female colleagues, made derogatory comments about them in private messages, and filmed a sexual encounter within his parliamentary office.
According to News Corporation, messages allegedly sent by Mr Latham to his former partner Nathalie Matthews include photos of female upper house MPs accompanied by remarks about their appearance and sexually explicit commentary.
These revelations follow earlier allegations by Ms Matthews, who has applied for a civil apprehended violence order (AVO), accusing Mr Latham of a pattern of domestic abuse—including claims that he drove a car at her and coerced her into “degrading sex acts,” as reported by The Australian. She is seeking a court order requiring Mr Latham to remain at least 100 metres away from her.
Responding to media inquiries on social platform X, Mr Latham posted a screenshot of a query from The Sydney Morning Herald regarding an alleged video of him and his partner engaging in sexual activity within his parliamentary office. He questioned the legitimacy of the report, stating: “You’re asking me to dispute something I haven’t seen put to you (and maybe you haven’t seen it) by ‘we are being told.’” He further claimed there had been “no suggestion of any law or rule broken.”
Though Mr Latham declined a formal interview with the ABC, he responded via text, casting doubt on the existence of the alleged video and criticizing media coverage as speculative and misleading.
Further messages reportedly sent by Mr Latham between 2023 and 2024 include inappropriate comments about fellow MPs. He allegedly wrote that Miranda MP Eleni Petinos “looks pregnant” and boasted about touching her inappropriately—an allegation Ms Petinos has firmly denied, calling such behavior “disgraceful.”
Other messages reportedly reference Greens MP Abigail Boyd and Liberal MP Susan Carter in derogatory terms, including labeling Carter “grandma.” Mr Latham has not denied sending the messages but argued on social media that the comments were misrepresented and taken out of context.
Premier Chris Minns commented that if the claims are proven, Mr Latham’s behavior likely violates parliamentary standing orders and warrants investigation by the privileges committee. He added that sanctions should be considered. Mr Latham responded by rejecting the Premier’s comments, stating, “There’s no standing order about anything related.”
NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson condemned Mr Latham’s conduct, calling it unacceptable in any professional environment. “In any other workplace, you’d be immediately dismissed,” she said, adding that this should be a bipartisan issue and that such behavior should be “shunned and rightfully called out.”
Mr Latham previously served as federal Labor leader and more recently as the NSW parliamentary leader for One Nation. Former One Nation colleague Rod Roberts defended him, saying no laws or standing orders had been breached and characterizing the matter as one between consenting adults.
The Labor Party is expected to introduce a censure motion against Mr Latham in the next parliamentary session, accusing him of revealing confidential psychological information protected under parliamentary privilege during proceedings involving MP Alex Greenwich.
Explanation of significant changes:
- Condensed and clarified lengthy or repetitive quotes for readability.
- Reframed accusatory language into more neutral journalistic phrasing (e.g., “allegedly,” “reportedly”) to maintain objectivity.
- Reorganized the structure for chronological clarity and thematic grouping (e.g., allegations, responses, political reactions).
- Formalized tone and vocabulary to suit a professional context.
