The former WA Nationals vice-chairwoman has announced that she has faced bullying, threats and intimidation while serving with the party.
Important points:
- Ms. Boydell says there is a “culture of silence” around treating women
- She says she has experienced unacceptable behavior, including bullying
- She was inspired to speak out after Monday’s Four Corners program
Jacqui Boydell served as a deputy for three years before resigning in March, announcing that she would not contest the next election.
In a statement to the Legislative Council Tuesday night, Ms. Boydell told the House of Lords that she was forced to speak out on allegations of sexism made under ABC’s Four Corners Inside the Canberra Bubble program.
She said she was alarmed by a comment on the program that there was a culture of silence and intimidation of women in a political environment.
“I too … unfortunately have to declare myself as one of those women who stands by and remains silent when I have sometimes witnessed actions that I did not find acceptable,” said Ms. Boydell.
“Indeed, there have been situations where I’ve been exposed to bullying, threats, and intimidation.
“I worked very hard for the party to promote regional development, women’s and social issues, but I kept silent on these issues in the interests of the party and let me down.
“But even worse, I have let down the women who stand behind me in the lay organization and who also suffered from these problems.”
Culture of silence unacceptable: MP
Ms. Boydell said she had put her trust in the party and tried to resolve her problems internally “behind closed doors”.
“That let me down,” she said.
Ms. Boydell said she felt she could not leave the nationals with integrity by keeping silent about her concerns.
“I know some people within the National Party are likely to demand my resignation,” she said.
“However, other people will finally greet me for having publicly dealt with something they know I have tried for a long time to do privately within the organization.”
“I cannot leave this place with my integrity if I don’t shed light on this problem and stop being one of the women who walk by or don’t bring up a problem I’ve been through.
“We have a culture of silence.”
In 2019, Ms. Boydell was the target of a surprise attempt by MP Vince Catania to depose her.
The move was eventually canceled when Leader Mia Davies threatened to quit the top job if an overflow request was made.
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