Lucy Wicks has broken her silence after a months-long investigation into the conduct of her former Upper House parliamentary lover and a series of abusive text messages he sent.
Taylor Martin was expelled from the Liberal Party during a meeting on Friday night with New South Wales state executive members following an external investigation into his behaviour.
Ms Wicks, a former federal MP for the New South Wales Central Coast seat of Robertson, made a confidential complaint in July 2023 about a series of text messages she had received from Mr Martin over an extended period of time, which she claimed amounted to harassment.
In the messages, which he admitted were “ugly”, Mr Martin called Ms Wicks a “bloody idiot”, a “silly cunt”, a “sickling”, an “absolute idiot”. person’ and a ‘damn ignorant bitch’.
The inquiry took nine months to complete and was marred by delays and scandals, including the revelation that Martin was still welcome at crucial meetings of the NSW Liberal state council.
Ms Wicks, a former federal MP for the New South Wales Central Coast seat of Robertson, made a confidential complaint in July 2023 about a series of text messages she had received from Mr Martin over an extended period of time, which she claimed amounted to harassment.
Taylor Martin MLC was removed from the NSW Liberal parliamentary party floor in July amid uproar over text messages he sent to former MP Lucy Wicks. He has since been expelled
But ultimately Martin was found to have engaged in “abusive conduct” and was expelled from the Liberal Party on April 19, but will sit on the crossbench for the remainder of his term.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday, Wicks said she felt she “never had a chance” after the media outed her as a whistleblower without her consent.
“I felt so violated and degraded,” she said.
“Then a vile smear campaign was immediately unleashed.”
Reports at the time suggested that Wicks had begun an affair with Martin when he was a young employee in her office and while she was married.
It is understood her relationship with Martin did not begin until 2017, the same year he was elected to parliament and after Wicks’ marriage ended.
Wicks feared that speaking out would ruin his own career and reputation. Martin had the strong backing of the center-right contingent of the Liberal Party.
Martin publicly apologized for a series of text messages he sent Wicks during that period calling her a “fucking fool” and a “f***ing pig.”
“Living under the threat of… professional corruption and reputational damage was beyond terrifying,” he said.
He knew that speaking out could “cost him almost everything, including financial security.”
‘This is an important reason why when victims speak out, you should always believe them. Speaking is often more difficult than remaining silent, because of the retribution it often entails,” she stated.
“That terror, that fear, that overwhelming sense of impending dread that you learn to live with day after day and month after month, is what many other women face when they experience the insidious and often hidden impact of abuse.”
Daily Mail Australia revealed in March that Wicks began receiving anonymous threatening letters at her new workplace after she was publicly identified as the complainant.
Martin bombarded Ms Wicks with a series of “ugly” text messages after their romantic relationship ended, calling her a “f***ing idiot”, a “fucking fool”, “sick”, “absolute c”. *** of a person’ and a ‘damn ignorant pig’
One letter falsely claimed there was “X-rated” content of his “on the dark web.”
“Can’t wait to see this in the media (sic),” the letter continued.
At least three letters were forwarded to police for investigation, each typed and printed.
A source with knowledge of the incident said “it was obvious it was intended to scare or intimidate her.” Someone wanted to denigrate her.’
There is no suggestion that Mr Martin had anything to do with those letters.
‘Talking has cost me almost everything. But thanks to it I got my voice back, my sense of security and well-being,” said Mrs Wicks.
He has also rediscovered his determination to “drive real change to make a difference.”
“I have lived through and had to face some horrible threats, overcome paralyzing fear, learn to face overwhelming terror, and remain determined to continue serving my community in any capacity I can, even through this vile and degrading smear campaign,” said.
“But it has also increased my courage, my resilience, my empathy and my ability to hear the unspoken pain of others.”
Wicks hopes her experience and the outcome of the research will encourage women who may find themselves in a similar situation.
“It can happen to anyone,” he said. ‘It’s not your fault.
‘Trust yourself. Trust your instincts and that others will believe you if you speak up.’
He is still weighing whether he should try to run again in the 2025 federal election.
The conclusions of the report were communicated to the party. months later Brittany, Mr. Martin’s new wife, left their marriage.
Daily Mail Australia revealed that NSW Legislative Council member Taylor Martin married his girlfriend Brittany in a lavish ceremony on the grounds of Alexandria in December, only for her to walk away from the relationship several weeks later after an altercation.