Kate Ellis, Jenny Macklin, Michelle Rowland, Amanda Rishworth, Tim Watts and Jim Chalmers were among the nine Labour MPs who attended the Senate yesterday afternoon in support of Senator Nova Peris.
An emotional and considered Peris made a personal statement in relation to the publication, by the Northern Territory News, of a series of explicit emails she allegedly sent in 2010, earlier in the week. The most critical implication was that Peris had misused taxpayer funds in pursuit of an extra-marital affair with an Olympic athlete Ato Bolden.
“The release and publication of these emails is an attempt to extract money and embarrass me and my family,” the senator explained.
“I categorically reject any wrongdoing. I have done nothing wrong. It pains me to have to talk about my private life but the publication of these emails is part of a long running and very difficult child access and financial estate dispute. During this process I have been subjected to many threats. In dealing with these threats, I have faced the dilemma of responding to defend my political career or responding to defend my children. Well, Mr President, it’s not actually a dilemma. I have always put my children first and will continue to do so.”
She thanked her colleagues and constituents for their support which she described as overwhelming. Peris outlined how she had been approached and threatened with the publication of damaging emails earlier this year. She had referred the matter to the Australia Federal Police, a fact the NT News was aware of.
The Senator’s denial of any misuse of funds is supported by the fact an Independent Audit cleared the use of funds by Athletics Australia, the organisation which is at the centre of these claims.
“The excuse for the reports is the claim that I was responsible for a misuse of public funds. This claim is baseless,” Senator Peris said. “Athletics Australia also says and I quote, “Mr Boldon capably fulfilled his role as a mentor and ambassador to the Jumpstart to London program and provided a boost to the profile of the program and for the sport of athletics in general”. This afternoon the Australian Sports Commission has said the use of sports ambassadors for programs like this was common and Athletics Australia has and I quote fully acquitted the funds provided including independent auditor confirmation that it was spent for the purposes provided.”
She was defiant as she concluded her statement.
“I stand here today, proud of who I am, proud to be a mother, a grandmother, a daughter and a wife. My children are my universe and I will protect and nurture them no matter what people say about me. Now or in the future. I don’t propose to provide any further commentary on this matter.”