Reopening Of The Senate Inquiry Into Abuse Claims Against Don Meredith

Even though Don Meredith is no longer a member of the upper chamber, inquiry into allegations of years of workplace harassment and sexual abuse by a former senator has resumed.

Normally, his resignation should have triggered the end of the investigation, but the Senate ethics committee decided it wants to see the results of the investigation that began almost two years ago.

“The committee believes that allegations of sexual harassment, harassment and abuse of authority in the workplace should be fully investigated for the fairness of the employees involved and former Senator Meredith”, read a committee report released Wednesday.

Te report cites a section of the ethics code which states completing the process is important to “maintain and enhance public confidence and trust in the integrity of senators and the Senate”, though it noted it has power to impose sanctions now that Meredith has quit.

The committee concluded last month that Meredith’s sexual relationship with a teenager warranted expulsion. It released a precedent-setting report that saw senators recommend to expel one of their own for the first time.

Instead, Meredith resigned from the Senate a day before any expulsion vote could take place.