ACT Greens MP Stood Down Over Underage Sex Allegations

ACT Greens member for Brindabella Johnathan Davis at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Sept. 14, 2023. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

ACT Greens backbencher Johnathan Davis, 31, has been stood down indefinitely over allegations of sexual misconduct against two teenage boys.

ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury said he received “extremely serious complaints” about Mr. Davis’ conduct this week and asked a senior staff member to do an initial review to determine what appropriate steps to take.

It is alleged that Mr. Davis engaged in a relationship with a 17-year-old boy and had sex with a 15-year-old boy. He is currently the party’s spokesperson for health, LGBT affairs, and education.

“He will be stood down indefinitely at this time,” Mr. Rattenbury said on Nov. 10.

“My office has not seen evidence of illegal activity, but we have reported what we know of the complaints to police,” Mr. Rattenbury told The Epoch Times in an email.

An ACT police spokesperson confirmed to The Epoch Times that it received a referral in relation to Mr. Davis’ case, but did not confirm whether they had spoken to Mr. Davis or not.

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Mr. Davis’ office has been approached for comment.

In a joint statement, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and acting Chief Minister Yvette Berry said the allegations against Mr. Davis were “very serious.”

“The Chief’s Minister’s office was made aware earlier this morning that a story would be published today outlining allegations against Green’s MLA Jonathan Davis,” the statement said, reported the ABC.

“We understand the matter is being referred to police and expect a full investigation to take place.

“We have asked the ACT Greens to ensure support is provided to the individuals who have made these matters public.

“Other support services are available to members of the community who are distressed by this reporting.”

Mr. Barr and Ms. Berry said that the best path forward for Mr. Davis would be to resign from the legislative assembly.

“These are very serious allegations against a sitting MLA and do impact his ability to undertake his role,” they said.

“Mr. Davis will need to consider his position. The best path would be to accept what we understand to be the position of the ACT Greens party leadership and resign his position in the Assembly.”

Mr. Davis, a member for the Tuggeranong seat of Brindabella, was elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly in 2020.