MP tells tribunal Mark Latham's comments about him part of 'abusive obsession'
In a case before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), Mr Greenwich alleges four public statements by the former One Nation state leader constituted unlawful homosexual vilification and sexual harassment in the workplace.
They include a March 2023 tweet that was previously at the centre of a successful defamation case in the Federal Court, which resulted in Mr Greenwich being awarded $140,000.
Mr Greenwich, an openly gay MP, told the tribunal on Tuesday he had been in public life for some 20 years but had never before been "diminished, demeaned [and] dehumanised" by someone to such an extent.
"This was the first time in my political career where I have been so fundamentally attacked for who I am, for my sexuality, based on their vile thoughts about me," he said under cross-examination by Mr Latham's lawyer.
He told the tribunal the attacks extended to a series of radio interviews, social media posts, interactions Mr Latham engaged in with his followers — and even a recent podcast.
"This is a man who has an abusive obsession with me," Mr Greenwich said.
He said it began with the tweet and had not stopped.
From the public gallery of the small tribunal room, Mr Latham fired back: "It began with you."
Mr Latham's tweet was in response to comments Mr Greenwich had provided to a journalist concerning violence against LGBTQIA+ protesters outside a church in Sydney's west, where Mr Latham was scheduled to speak.
He referred to Mr Latham as a "disgusting human being".
Posting on Twitter, now X, Mr Latham responded with: "Disgusting How does that compare with …" before describing sexual activity in graphic terms.
Mr Latham's lawyer, Zali Burrows, suggested Mr Greenwich had delivered a "prepared speech" in his answers and asked for examples of Mr Latham's attacks.
Mr Greenwich detailed "an ongoing belittling of me based on my sexuality", including tweets as recent as Tuesday, and described how it had prompted an "avalanche of hate" directed at him.
"I wish I didn't have to be here today, but I have to be here because your client keeps on abusing me, keeps on attacking me, in a workplace we share."
Mr Latham, who denies breaching the state's Anti-Discrimination Act, is expected to give evidence later on Tuesday.
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