‘I was frozen’: Labor secretary sues party over alleged assault Former Labor staffer Jeffrey O’Donnell – once charged over a taxpayer-funded election fraud – has been accused in court documents of assaulting a party secretary, “habitually heckling” Labor members and calling a female member explicit names at party meetings. Kororoit Creek Branch secretary Jennifer Marriott, 53, is suing the Victorian branch of the Australian Labor Party and its member Mr O’Donnell amid claims his abuse caused her to suffer PTSD, adjustment disorder and depression. The dispute centres around a Labor meeting at a Caroline Springs La Porchetta restaurant last year, where Ms Marriott claims she was assaulted by Mr O’Donnell when he approached her “aggressively, standing over her and raising his clenched fist in a threatening manner to her whilst pushing his head towards her face”. “When you see Premier Jacinta Allen standing up saying violence against women is no good and they are putting things in place to stop it, for me, I know it’s lip service because at no point have I felt protected or that someone has had my best interests at heart,” Ms Marriott said. Since the incident a year ago, Ms Marriott – the President of the Municipal & Utilities Workers’ Union – said she’d attended her workplace only six times because the “psychological effects of the assault have compromised” her ability to work. Arnold Thomas & Becker managing partner Lee Flanagan, who is representing Ms Marriott, said the ALP Victorian branch failed in its duty of care of their client. “We also allege that the Party failed to assess or investigate the Mr O’Donnell’s character sufficiently before permitting his engagement with the Party,” Mr Flanagan said. “We also understand that even now, with our client making a formal complaint, and requesting action, that the party has not taken steps to discipline or remove Mr O’Donnell from the Labor Party.” Read more at The Herald Sun. Contact us Arnold Thomas & Becker is a group of fiercely dedicated legal experts who fight for the rights of injured people across Victoria. We offer a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim from down to earth, friendly and approachable lawyers. To speak to a lawyer today, call us on 1300 333 300 or send us an email at [email protected]