ACT standards commissioner dismisses former Liberal leader's complaint against colleague

Former Canberra Liberal leader Leanne Castley lodged a complaint in June, accusing fellow MLA Chiaka Barry of threatening behaviour during a May meeting convened by Opposition Leader Mark Parton. Castley alleged that Barry raised her fists, mimicked table-bashing and warned she would "come after" her. Commissioner Ken Crispin examined the incident, characterising Barry's response as somewhat intemperate but not wholly unreasonable or a code breach.

Both Barry and Parton provided statements, and the commissioner concluded the alleged conduct did not constitute a violation. He forwarded his recommendation to the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure, which dismissed the complaint with no further action. Castley expressed disappointment with the investigation but accepted the closure of the matter.