Canberra Opposition Leader Mark Parton denies texting sex worker

Canberra Liberals leader and ACT Opposition Leader Mark Parton admitted sending a text message during a budget estimates hearing that read “f--- my job is boring.” He denied the message was sent to a sex worker and said the anonymous complaint was politically motivated harassment.

The complaint was referred to the ACT Legislative Assembly’s Speaker and the Public Service Standards Commissioner, who decided not to investigate. Parton has referred the matter to police and says he has the full backing of his party while urging the public to focus on issues such as corruption, rates and health services.