Larissa Waters, the leader of the Greens, has publicly addressed Senator Dorinda Cox’s departure from the party, calling it “disappointing.” Waters also responded to reports that Senator Cox had confronted her during a leadership vote meeting,allegedly telling the new leader to “grow a spine.”

“We’re disappointed to have lost one of our Greens senators of course, but we remain focused on acting on the cost of living, protecting the planet, and getting on with the job,” Waters stated during an interview on Today.

Senator Cox’s move to Labor occurred shortly after she was unsuccessful in her bid for deputy leader within the Greens party. Sources indicate that tensions were high during the leadership vote meeting, with claims that Senator Cox directly confronted Waters.

Waters Addresses alleged Confrontation and Bullying Claims

“In all honesty, I can’t remember that, but there was a lot going on that day.”

When questioned about whether Senator Cox had made the alleged “grow a spine” statement,Waters responded,”In all honesty,I can’t remember that,but there was a lot going on that day.I am a conciliatory sort of person, but I’m also pretty firm, so let’s wait and see”.

Waters also addressed prior reports of bullying allegations against Senator Cox. These reports indicated that a meaningful number of staff members had left Senator Cox’s office over a three-year period, with some lodging complaints through official channels.

“I wasn’t involved in any of those investigations, and obviously, I wasn’t leader at the time,” Waters clarified.

Greens’ Commitment to Self-reliant Complaint Processes

Waters emphasized the importance of independent complaint processes within Parliament. “I am really proud that part of my job in the last term of parliament was to set up those independent complaints bodies that staff and MPs and anyone who works in the parliamentary workplace can use. Those processes are now independent which is appropriate. They’re also confidential.”

She added, “I must confess I am not across a lot of the details of them, I support those structures being set up”.