Liberal MP Fiona Martin has responded to a recent report by The Australian that there had been a staff exodus from her office, saying she is being targeted by conservatives within her own party who are bitter about her stance on progressive issues.
In a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald, Dr Martin said her decision to cross the floor over an amendment to the sex discrimination act in February, as well as her advocacy for net-zero emissions targets, had earned the ire of conservatives within the Liberal Party.
READ MORE: Liberal MP Fiona Martin shares why she crossed the floor for Religious Discrimination Bill.
“At times, the far right of our party might not like what I’ve done, but I’ve worked to be representative of the people of Reid,” Dr Martin said.
The former child psychologist added that anyone with a grievance “should come and talk to me in the first instance, rather than orchestrated political attacks.”
“…the people of Reid are not interested in political mud-throwing,” she said.
Dr Martin faces a tough contest to retain her marginal seat of Reid, but said she will continue to liaise with local religious leaders as part of her commitment to passing religious discrimination laws.
She also called for an end to factional infighting ahead of the federal election on Saturday, May 21.
FULL STORY: The Sydney Morning Herald.
