Former MP ‘distressed’ after being named as woman who made harassment allegation

Former federal MP Lucy Wicks said she is “beyond distressed” Sydney radio station 2GB outed her as the person who complained about a fellow Liberal Party politician who allegedly sent her “hundreds of demeaning, degrading and abusive texts” over a five-year period.

Wicks, 50, said her complaint about the alleged abuse from New South Wales Liberal MP Taylor Martin, 32, was “formal and confidential”.

Nine, the publisher of this website, is also the publisher of 2GB.

“My complaint to the Liberal Party was in relation to serious concerns including behaviour in the workplace, in the party and in political interactions,” Wicks said today in a statement.

“It includes allegations that I was physically threatened and received hundreds of demeaning, degrading, and abusive texts.

“During that five-year period, I was continually exposed to highly aggressive barrages of verbal abuse, which included threats to destroy my reputation if I spoke up.

“I am beyond distressed that I have had to disclose even a small portion of these details.

“I sought to create a confidential process that would enable natural justice and provide me with safety as I navigate this process.”

Wicks represented the New South Wales federal electorate of Robertson for the Liberals from 2013-2022.

The Liberal Party is conducting an independent investigation.

On Sunday, Martin apologised and “welcomed the process that the party has commenced,” adding that he fully intended to cooperate.

“I was young and inexperienced and I found myself involved in a situation that was way beyond me,” he said in a statement.

“There were heated words during my attempts to go separate ways that I sincerely regret.

“It was an ugly and undignified parting of ways.”

Martin said he was “so sorry and apologise unreservedly” to all involved.

It is understood Martin was recently made aware of the allegations and the formal complaint.

It’s understood the allegations came when Martin was a staffer in federal parliament years ago, the ABC reported.

Martin has been a member of the NSW state government upper house since 2017.