The investigation into the Tas Labor allegations comes to an end

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An investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made against the short-lived Tasmanian Labor opposition leader is expected to be finalized soon.

David O’Byrne resigned his post in early July – just weeks after being appointed to the post following the party’s third consecutive election defeat – after the charges came to light.

He was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a junior employee and kissing her without her consent in 2007 and 2008, while working for the Alcohol, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Products Union.

The woman, a longtime Labor member, recently told the ABC the party’s complaint process was traumatic and there was a lack of support.

Labor state leader Rebecca White held her first press conference on Monday since announcing her return to the post following Mr O’Byrne’s departure.

She took maternity leave for the birth of her second child after leading the party to election defeat on May 1.

Ms White said it was premature to anticipate the conclusions of the inquiry when asked whether Mr O’Byrne’s position in Parliament was tenable.

The 52-year-old, who represents the Southern Franklin electorate, was elected in 2018 and was also a Member of Parliament from 2010 to 2014.

“There is an independent investigation of me that is currently underway,” Ms. White told reporters.

“It continues to do its job and I am sure a report will be made very soon.”

She said the Secretary of State for Labor would make a public statement once the investigation was finalized.

Mr O’Byrne has previously issued a public apology for the allegations, saying he believed the interactions were consensual at the time but now understands they were not.

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