WA Premier Mark McGowan has accused the Liberal Party of bullying a Labor backbencher who admitted falsely claiming that a medal he wore was given to him for overseas policing service, when it was actually purchased online.
Darling Range MP Barry Urban's absence from State Parliament has continued for a second week, following the revelations surrounding the medal and other aspects of his past.
Mr Urban's absence since the controversy emerged has been blamed on his poor mental health.
But he is under mounting pressure to return to Parliament this week to explain himself, amid further doubts about the legitimacy of a degree he says he earned from Leeds University and additional aspects of his overseas policing service.
The WA Liberals are expected to renew their attacks on the Government over Mr Urban's situation — but Mr McGowan urged the opposition to back off.
"They're acting a little bit like bullies, to be honest," Mr McGowan said.
"If someone has got mental health issues they should give him a little bit of respect and a little bit of room.
"Let him make his statement and be respectful that it's another human being they're dealing with."
But Opposition Leader Mike Nahan dismissed the bullying claim as a "smokescreen" designed to help the Premier and Mr Urban avoid accountability.
"I am sure [Mr Urban] is under some pressure, but he is a member of Parliament and we're all under pressure," he said.
"There is still responsibility for Mr McGowan to come clean about the suitability of one of his members to represent the people of Darling Range in Parliament."
Better to front up, McGowan tells Urban
Mr McGowan did step up his calls for Mr Urban to explain himself to the Legislative Assembly this week, saying the first-term MP would need a very good reason to not do so.
"If he's not physically and mentally ready to do that this week, then perhaps it would be next year," Mr McGowan said.
"But I think it would be better for everyone — including him — if he does it as soon as possible."
Mr Urban has laid low since admitting the medal he claimed he was given by British authorities for his overseas policing service was actually purchased online.
While he publicly apologised for the medal slip, he is yet to publicly comment on the doubts raised about his other claims regarding his past.
