The Liberal candidate for the seat of Albany, on Western Australia's south coast, has questioned the timing of a historical rape allegation made against Attorney-General Christian Porter so close to the state election.
Key points:
- Scott Leary has questioned the timing of a historical rape allegation
- Mr Leary made the comments during two separate ABC interviews
- Liberal leader Zak Kirkup says he does not agree with Mr Leary's comments
Candidate Scott Leary said he believed the airing of an allegation dating back to 1988, which Mr Porter strenuously denies, might be politically motivated to disrupt this Saturday's election.
Mr Leary said the time between the alleged incident and a letter sent to the Prime Minister about the matter was confusing.
"I'm surprised that these items do come up, mainly around election time, which is really strange that some of these older cases seem to come out of the woodwork," he said.
Mr Leary made the comments during two separate interviews with the ABC.
He conceded he "wasn't sure" if the timing was political but then suggested it was several times.
"I'd hate to think that's what would happen. That somebody would make that allegation now as a political point during a state election," he said.
"The timing for me is yes, I think it is motivated that way, that it's come out now, an allegation that was 33 years ago that's been made, why has it come to the surface now?"
'It seems a strange coincidence'
Mr Leary said he was concerned the issue was taken out of the hands of the alleged victim.
"You can't say it was political motivated on her part … possibly, it's the timing to it, I don't know," he said.
"I'm just concerned about for that poor, unfortunate young women who has now taken her life … over an incident she had no control over. It's now been aired outside her passing.
"I hope anyone has the courage and support around them to bring any allegation to the front.
"It's been twisted into a political question, when I don't think it is.
"It seems a strange coincidence they probably come out around this time."
The seat of Albany is held by Labor's outgoing Speaker of the House Peter Watson, who will retire after 21 years holding the electorate.
Liberal leader Zak Kirkup said he was disappointed to see the comments.
"I don't agree with those comments," he said.
"I was disappointed to see the comments. I think Mr Leary has clarified his position.
"They are not at all something that I believe, I don't think it's something Mr Leary believes either."