The only outcome from all of this is that very few brave and determined women will pursue justice through the courts again. Especially if they dare to challenge powerful men in authority. The whole nasty incident clearly demonstrates that there is no gutter a politician isn't prepared to wallow in.

Best to stick to facts, and not overlay them with wild theories?
When the 'accusation' was first made, one would be inclined to believe the female.
For, unless she were being truthful, why on earth would she subject herself to the rigours of intensive public scrutiny?
But as time has gone on, doubts have arisen.
There is contradictory evidence?
So now it is not clear what, if anything, happened.
In fact, the evidence is leading us to think differently about the whole matter.
Oh what a tangled web....

A third allegation of sexual harassment has been made against the LIBERAL PARTY senator David Van! Dutton is now calling for Van to RESIGN FROM PARLIAMENT. Just when we had hoped the LIBERAL PARTY culture of abuse of women had stopped, new allegations are being made against a very senior LIBERAL PARTY member! I wonder what Bettina Arndt makes of Van and these allegations?

Paul
Neither side of politics has covered itself in glory here. With three separate allegations, including one from his own side of politics, it seems pretty clear that David Van is guilty of some vile and possibly illegal behaviour. But it’s also pretty clear that Katy Gallagher lied to Parliament about what she knew and when about Brittany Higgins’ allegations, then weaponised them along with her colleagues to make some vicious and unfounded allegations, especially against Linda Reynolds.

Has anyone else noticed when there are allegations of rape, and touchy-feely arse grabbing there's always one common denominator its the LIBERAL PARTY, and Liberals who are the accused. Liberal staffer alleged to have raped another Liberal staffer, a Liberal senator alleged to have grabbed the arse of another Liberal senator. Well it says it all! This is a party that has no time for women. Would any decent woman really vote for them? Me thinks not

Paul

Bill Shorten has been accused of the rape of a 15-year-old girl. The difference is, the Liberals let the justice system take its course and did not seek to make political capital of it.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7151101/labor-the-media-are-hypocritical-on-cabinet-rape-claim/

Former MP Emma Husar also made serious allegations of sexual harassment against Labor figures:

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/former-labor-mp-emma-husar-threatens-legal-action-over-sexual-harassment-claims-20210530-p57wew.html

I think Dutton has done the right thing in this instance. He acted quickly and correctly in expelling Van from the party room, referring him to the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service and calling on him to resign. Amanda Stoker also did the right thing in backing up Lydia Thorpe’s story, even knowing the damage it could inflict on her own party.