Seven months ago, Leanne Castley was leader of the Canberra Liberals. From today, she is an independent MLA sitting on the crossbench.
Ms Castley resigned from the opposition party, alleging bullying, intimidation, and threats of violence. Senior Liberals figures have rejected these allegations.
“I have simply had enough of being part of an organisation with such a toxic culture,” Ms Castley said in a statement. “In the last 18 months, I have experienced bullying, intimidation, lies, and even a threat of physical assault. I can no longer be part of an organisation which tolerates this conduct.
“This has been a difficult decision, but it’s the right one for me and for Yerrabi.”
Ms Castley told ABC Radio that the bullying had taken place from when she became opposition leader. She has referred the matter of physical violence to the party. She did not identify who had been involved.
“It’s not one person, it’s not one issue, it’s been an 18-month campaign,” she said. “At some point, I had to put a line in the sand and say, OK, I’m walking away.”
Canberra Liberals deny allegations
Party leader Mark Parton rejected the suggestion that the Canberra Liberals had a toxic culture.
“I was surprised to see that in the statement,” he said. “Politics is a robust environment where strongly held views are debated vigorously. We do not condone bullying, intimidation, or inappropriate behaviour of any kind. Where concerns are raised, they’re treated seriously and through the appropriate processes.”
Likewise, Canberra Liberals president Adam Morris said he was “quite shocked” by Ms Castley’s allegations. He urged anyone with evidence to report them to the appropriate authorities or to tell him so he could investigate.
The Canberra Liberals’ code of conduct lays out expected behaviour.
The party’s management committee is meeting this afternoon to discuss Ms Castley’s allegations.
“From my view, allegations that have been raised have been dealt with, but I’m happy to consider being investigated independently,” Mr Parton said.
Mr Parton would not comment publicly on individual matters, pleading respect for privacy and confidentiality.
Ms Castley’s career
Ms Castley was elected as Canberra Liberals member for Yerrabi in 2020. She became ACT opposition leader after the Liberals lost the 2024 election. She stepped down from leading the party in November after her decision to suspend two Liberals from the party room – Peter Cain and her predecessor in the role Elizabeth Lee – created turmoil.
The Canberra Liberals senior figures paid tribute to Ms Castley. Mr Parton thanked her for her service to the party, and said he expected to work with her on issues affecting Canberra. Similarly, Mr Morris said Ms Castley would “fight for [Canberra Liberals] values on the crossbench and intelligently represent” her constituency.
Independent MLA Fiona Carrick congratulated Ms Castley for her move to the crossbench as an independent.
“I look forward to working with her,” Ms Carrick said.
The Canberra Liberals now have seven MLAs. A shadow cabinet reshuffle is expected. Ms Castley was Shadow Minister for City Services; for Women and Women’s Health; and for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence.
