Sophie stands by her employee

Sophie backs her new officer
BY BRAD WORRALL

SOPHIE Mirabella has dismissed sexual harassment claims against one of her newly appointed senior staff.

Brendan Rowswell took over the role of media officer for the member for Indi on Monday just two weeks after a News Limited publication reported him as a key figure in a Liberal Party sex scandal.

The incident allegedlly happened at an Australian Liberal Students Federation conference in Sydney last month.

Last night Mrs Mirabella said she had heard of complaints from a factional rival of Mr Rowswell.

“I am an employer, and I understand that Brendan has reserved his rights to legal action over the claims,” she said.

Mr Rowswell said he had been advised to issue a statement on the matter and could offer no further comment.

He said the same statement had been offered to the publication which broke his story but they claimed he had “made no comment”.

Last night he faxed the two-line statement.

“I have heard complaints from a factional opponent and I reserve my legal rights regarding any untrue or defamatory claims made against me,” the statement read.

He said a party investigation was under way.

Mrs Mirabella said Mr Rowswell was hired part-time for several months and had only become a full-time worker recently.

---

Watchdog comment:
Sophie has got it right. The alleged incident could only be described as a social gaffe - it certainly could not be considered a sex scandal. Unfortuneately, the political reality is that this accusation will probably follow Brendan Rowswell throughout any political career he may follow.

---