Labour's general secretary Andrew Kirton has defended the party's decision not tell the parents of the assault victims. (Photo \ Getty Images)

Labour's top official maintains party were right to keep parents in the dark

Author: Michael Sergel,
Publish Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2018, 7:53AM

The Labour Party's top official says he was right not to inform parents about alleged assaults and harassment at party events.

Another young woman has come forward alleging she was sexually assaulted at a party event a few years ago.

It follows allegations four 16-year-olds were groped at a Young Labour summer camp at Waihi last month.

General secretary Andrew Kirton says the party could have responded to the allegations sooner.

But he told Mike Hosking the decision not to inform the young people's parents was based on professional advice.

"We talked to professionals who deal with this day in, day out, dealing with young people, dealing with sensitive issues. That was consistent with their advice, but I understand the frustration."

Kirton admits Labour would go to police about an alleged sexual assault at a party event, if that's what the victim wants.

"We've offered them support to go to the police, either us faciliting that or them themselves with our support. That's up to them if they choose to do that."

LISTEN ABOVE AS ANDREW KIRTON SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING