579,

Your ignorance of sexual harassment legislation is breath taking. The CEO of David Jones was suspended and then dismissed for far less, and DJ paid out nearly $1m to the complainant.

The boss/employee or doctor/patient, teacher/student relationships are not one where power is evenly distributed, and most carry severe penalties. Repeated sexual requests, verbal and text from the boss to the subordinate are the worst form of harassment, and if the texts are legitimate, then Slipper is in very deep water and will lose a lot more than just the Speakership.

SM i have the highest regard for sexual harassment claims, after they have been proven fact.
Sexual harassment claims are not expensive, anyone can have one. But a claim remains just that until proven.
Slipper stood aside, knowing the claim of cab-charge would not stand up.
There is no outlet for Slipper to stand aside with the sexual harassment charge, without depleting the govt; of a vote.
This charge could take months to come before court.
And all of this from a man already charged of an offense, in the same court.
All of this could be a case of sour grapes, looking for someone to pay his fine.
The precedent of stepping aside opens channels of false allegations, and appropriately timed, of course.
I hope Julia puts Slipper in the chair, and challenges a vote.