Costigan to pursue ‘vexatious’ complaint

AN MP who was expelled from the LNP amid claims he harassed an 18-year-old woman has signalled he could be pursuing the “vexatious complaint” in court.

Embattled independent Whitsunday MP Jason Costigan was dismissed from the LNP by the party’s state executive in February after a “serious” harassment complaint was made against him.

In the complaint, the mother of an 18-year-old woman said her daughter had clutched a duress alarm during her encounter with Mr Costigan when he visited the woman’s grandparent’s home on a remote property in Victoria.

The mother alleged the teen felt pressured to pose with the MP for selfies before he allegedly offered to pay to fly her to Hamilton Island. The extraordinary complaint alleged the teen was “intimidated” by a shirtless Costigan.

Mr Costigan has strenuously denied the allegations.

Yesterday he signalled he had met with his legal team to pursue a defamation case.

“We all remember what happened in February this year when I was expelled from the LNP after a vexatious complaint from someone whom I have never even met,” he said.

“As for that individual who triggered all this, she and her family can be rest assured that I have no intention of letting this slide.

“I will announce my next move in terms of litigation in due course and look forward to doing so.”

Mr Costigan said he had not received any calls from police regarding the complaint.

A spokesman for the LNP said the party stood by the action it took.