A senior Liberal adviser who used a fake online account to email a woman’s employer after she spoke out about the lack of abortion services in Tasmania has been forced to resign.
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Martine Haley used the alias Alice Wood-Jones to email the woman’s employer to have her reprimanded for her comments about abortion services in Tasmania.
In a statement late on Tuesday, Mr Hodgman said he had accepted Ms Haley’s resignation.
“I understand Martine deeply regrets her actions and has personally apologised to the person responsible.”
The woman, who spoke anonymously, said she was upset about the email to her boss.
“I'm still concerned about what might happen in retribution,” she said.
“It was a personal view and not linked with my role.
“I just wanted to challenge the claims that abortion is accessible and affordable in Tasmania.
“I don't believe I was the only one targeted and that others may be too afraid to speak up for fear of repercussions and even losing their jobs.”
Mr Hodgman said his chief of staff, Brad Stansfield, had investigated the matter and his advice was that it was not a widespread practice.
The CEO of Tasmania’s Women’s Legal Centre, Susan Fahey, confirmed that Ms Haley had admitted her part in the incident.
“Ms Haley admitted she had used a fake account to take screen shots of the woman’s Twitter comments and had sent them to her employer,” Ms Fahey said.