Mark Parton Denies Sex Worker Allegations After Admitting Text

ACT Opposition Leader Mark Parton admitted to sending a private text message stating "f--- my job is boring. Wanna swap" during a budget estimates hearing on July 31. The admission followed an anonymous complaint sent to Speaker Jeremy Hanson, which alleged that Parton used the hearing to arrange meetings with sex workers.

Parton denied that the recipient of the message was a sex worker, calling the allegations a "politically motivated" smear job. To refute the claims, he provided screenshots showing a photograph in question was sent to his wife and two other individuals. He refused to identify the recipient of the text or disclose if he frequents sex workers, arguing that such information is not in the public interest.

The Legislative Assembly's Commissioner for Standards, Ken Crispin KC, declined to investigate the complaint. In response, Parton referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police and sought legal advice. Despite the controversy, Parton stated he has no intention of resigning and maintains the full support of his party.