Scott morrison julia banks bullying and intimidation claims leadership spill 20180903 p5wljl.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Julia Banks' 'bullying and intimidation' claims being 'dealt with' after leadership 'Muppet Show'

Jonathan Kearsley and Lane Calcutt

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Almost a week after Victorian Liberal MP Julia Banks announced she would resign at the next election citing “bullying and intimidation”, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the claims are being dealt with.

Speaking with 3AW's Neil Mitchell this morning, Mr Morrison said he had spoken with The Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer, and Chief Government whip Nola Merino.

"This is about ensuring a positive culture in our party,” he said.

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"It is likely that we will absolutely deal with this issue as a party, as colleagues and I have no truck with bullying."

9NEWS revealed Ms Banks told senior Liberals, she felt “bullied, pressured and intimated” by a pact of three male Liberal MPs.                                                       

Mr Mitchell, asked the prime minister, "Will they be named?"

"I'm dealing with facts," he replied, adding "I'm working with that internally in my party with my party organisation."

Victorian Liberal Party President Michael Kroger told Sky News:

"We haven't received any more information about that (bullying claims) and if we do of course we will look at it,” Mr Kroger said.

“I'd have to say I think the party has healed remarkably since last Friday week."

Ms Banks has said she was taking a period of leave but will be back when parliament resumes in Canberra on September 10.

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Mr Morrison also told Mr Mitchell that parliament "looked like the Muppet Show" during the leadership crisis, and Australians were "appalled" by it.

The prime minister vowed to re-unite the bitterly divided Liberals and to get them "focus on their jobs".

"The parliament looked like the Muppet Show and people should be rightly angry by that," Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison presented his ministers with Australian flag lapel badges when they were sworn in, to remind them they're working for all Australians.

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And today, despite social media speculation the pins were made in China, the prime minister they were made by a West Australian company.

He couldn't remember the company name, but said he'd ordered 42.

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