Mark Latham Scandal: Allegations of Abuse and a Supposed Sex Tape Unveiled

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This week, Mark Latham, a former leader of the federal Labor party, has found himself in the midst of a scandal involving accusations of misconduct during parliamentary sessions.

Once a strong contender for prime minister, particularly known for his stiff handshake with John Howard during the 2004 election, Latham, who is currently serving as an MP in New South Wales, is no stranger to contentious issues.

Recently, new allegations of inappropriate actions have surfaced after a former partner sought an apprehended violence order against him.

Two men lean in close as they firmly shake each others hands.

John Howard, the former prime minister, and then-Opposition leader Mark Latham, are pictured shaking hands during an encounter at the ABC studios while campaigning for the 2004 election. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

NSW Premier Chris Minns labelled the claims “very troubling”, while former federal colleague Tanya Plibersek said discussions were underway to have Latham’s portrait removed from Labor’s caucus room.

So, how did we get here?

What are the allegations?

The media storm started on Tuesday following reports that Latham’s former partner, Nathalie Matthews, was seeking an apprehended violence order (AVO) in a Sydney local court.

She claims she was the victim of sustained abuse, forced to perform degrading sexual acts and that Latham drove a car at her.

The 64-year-old has denied all allegations via X, stating he had “scores of documents” that he will use to defend himself against the claims.

The local court has refused media applications for the documents as they contain untested allegations.

It followed a frenzy of leaks, including alleged “sexting” exchanges between the pair while Latham was sitting in the parliamentary chamber.

The leaked exchanges contain allegations that Latham took photos of female colleagues, including Liberal MP Susan Carter, speaking in parliament and made derogatory remarks about them.

Carter told reporters Latham rang her to apologise.

“I appreciated the apology — now it’s time to get on with the job people expect us to do,” she said on Thursday.

The Sydney Morning Herald also reported this week that Latham recorded a sex tape while in parliamentary office.

Latham told the paper: “You’re asking me to dispute something I haven’t seen … is this really today’s journalism? Grow up. You’re obviously a clown.”

He later shared screenshots of the request for comment text message exchange on X, saying “sick puppies” were making these requests regularly.

‘He’d be gone tomorrow’: What’s the reaction been?

Federal Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek said while she’s not seen evidence of similar behaviour, the elevation of Latham to Labor leader in 2003 prompted her to cry.

“Do you know I’ve been a Member of Parliament for a long time, and the only time I remember going home and having a little cry after work was the day that Mark Latham was elected as leader of the Australian Labor Party?,” she said on Friday.

“I always had reservations about his capability as a political leader, and over the years, my concerns have only grown as his conduct appears to have worsened significantly.”

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a grey blazer, looks sideways.

Mark Latham’s former federal colleague Tanya Plibersek said the only time she recalls crying after work as an MP was the day Latham was elected as the party’s leader.

Senior state government minister Rose Jackson said Latham should be shunned by MPs across the political spectrum.

“I don’t like working in a workplace with someone like that who thinks that kind of behaviour is acceptable,” Jackson told reporters.

Latham’s “very troubling” alleged behaviour would not be acceptable elsewhere, Minns said.

“In a typical workplace he’d be gone tomorrow,” Minns told reporters.

The government plans to call for an inquiry into Latham over unrelated alleged abuses of parliamentary privilege when parliament resumes in August.

Latham is two years into his eight-year term, elected by voters until 2031.

— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press