Independent MP Mark Latham has responded to allegations levelled at him by an ex-partner, denying knowledge of a sex tape and apologising for inappropriate conduct while in Parliament.

Council of the City of Sydney

Independent Upper House MP Mark Latham held a press conference in Sydney to address recent allegations and media attention. Latham denied knowledge of any sex tape filmed at Parliament House involving his ex-partner, Natalie Matthews, and stated that if such material existed, it was recorded without his consent. He acknowledged taking and sending photos of female MPs to Matthews and has apologised to those involved. Matthews has filed a domestic violence order application against Latham, alleging sustained abuse, but has declined further comment while the matter is before the court. 

There are calls for Latham's conduct in Parliament to be investigated by the Privileges Committee. However, legal experts noted that expelling an MP in New South Wales is challenging, as such action can only be taken to protect the functioning of the House, not as punishment.

Mark Latham denies making sex tape, inappropriate conduct

After days of accusations levelled against him, today Mark Latham fronted the cameras. The embattled MP taking his anger out at the media, lashing out at reporters trying to ask questions about the allegations. It's called public policy and public interest, not someone's sex life. And you're shaking there, you must be worried about your own voyeurism, oh shaky fake media. The independent Upper House MP says he's unaware of any sex tape being filmed at Parliament House with his ex-partner Natalie Matthews. I have checked my devices and I can't find any material she has filmed involving me. If she has recorded these videos, it has been without my knowledge and consent. But he refused to deny having sex in his office with her. Have you had sex in your workplace? No. Do you know of anyone who has? Do you know of anyone who has? No. No? Okay, well um... Can you respond to that? No, no, well I'm not making any comment about things that are private. Matthews has lodged a domestic violence order application against the former One Nation MP, accusing him of sustained abuse. What we had for over two years was a sexed up, consensual, open arrangement between adults. 90% of it was great fun. Among the claims made against him, Latham has owned up to taking two photos of female MPs in the Chamber and sending them to Matthews. I've apologised to both Susan Carter and Abigail Boyd. 10 News reached out to Natalie Matthews, but in a statement she said she would not be making any further remarks while the matter is before the court. She requested privacy while she goes through what she says has been a stressful period, adding that the full story would come out in due course. There are calls for Latham's conduct in Parliament to be investigated by the Privileges Committee, but a top Sydney lawyer says it'd be very hard to expel the MP. So New South Wales relies on what's called its inherent powers, and that means it can't expel someone to punish them. It can only expel a person for the purposes of protecting the House and its ability to function. Laetitia Wallace, 10 News.

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