A FORMER Scots School Albury student is at the centre of a sexual harassment claim against Barnaby Joyce.
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Catherine Marriott, who grew up on a farm near Benalla, said at the weekend she was the West Australian who made a complaint about the exiting Nationals leader.
“On February 20, 2018, I wrote a formal letter of complaint to the Federal Executive of the National party outlining an allegation of sexual harassment against Barnaby Joyce,” Ms Marriott said in a statement.
“I want to stress that I never intended for this issue to become public.
“I requested that a formal and confidential investigation into this incident be undertaken by the National Party to ensure there is accountability in relation to the incident I raise, and to prevent this type of inappropriate behaviour towards women in the future.
“This complaint was not made solely to address the incident against me.
“It is about speaking up against inappropriate behaviour by people in powerful positions.”
Mr Joyce wants the police to probe the complaint, which he described as “spurious” and “defamatory”.
Member for Indi Cathy McGowan has known Ms Marriott since the latter was a child.
In 2013, Ms McGowan ran a rural business women’s forum at Beechworth where Ms Marriott was a guest speaker.
“She’s really well liked and has a very high reputation,” Ms McGowan said, noting you would not become West Australian Rural Woman of the Year without having “outstanding” qualities.
Twitter advocacy for Ms Marriott has emerged under the hashtag #standwithmaz.
Barooga farmer John Bruce is a supporter.
“Knowing Maz she is a genuine salt of the earth, no bull s... person #standwithMaz,” Mr Bruce tweeted.
National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson lauded Ms Marriott as “passionate and honest”, tweeting “she wanted to give the Nats a chance to sort it out and they leaked instead”