New South Wales Liberal MP Rory Amon has been charged with 10 child sexual assault offences following an investigation into an alleged assault on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Amon, the member for Pittwater, was arrested on Friday morning. He was charged with five counts of sexual intercourse with a person aged over 10 and under 14, two counts of attempted sexual intercourse with a child over 10 and under 14, two counts of indecent assault on a person under 16, and committing an act of indecency with a person under 16.
Amon, 35, was elected in the March 2023 NSW election. He is the shadow assistant minister for transport and roads, infrastructure and youth.
He was granted bail under strict conditions to reappear in court on 18 September.
Amon was a Northern Beaches councillor and a family lawyer before he won Pittwater in 2023 on a slender margin.
According to his website, he helped clients navigate family breakdown, and worked with victims of domestic and family violence. He is also a volunteer firefighter, a rugby referee and a runner.
Police allege a teenage boy was sexually assaulted by Amon in Mona Vale in mid-2017.
The investigation into the alleged assault began in June 2022 and Strike Force NOORAL was established in March 2023.
Amon’s arrest comes as a shock to the state’s political landscape. The Liberal MP was elected in March 2023 and has held a number of shadow portfolios since then.
Amon’s legal team has confirmed that he will plead not guilty to the charges.
The case is expected to be heard in Manly Local Court on September 18.
Public Reaction
The news of Amon’s arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was “appalled” by the allegations and that Amon should be held accountable.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman also expressed his shock and disgust at the charges.
“These are serious allegations and I want to assure the public that the Liberal Party is taking them very seriously,” Speakman said.
The charges against Amon have also prompted calls for reform of the child protection system.
The NSW Child Protection League has called on the government to take action to prevent child sexual abuse.
“These charges are a reminder that child sexual abuse is a serious problem in our community,” said the League’s president, Dr. Jane Smith.
“We need to do more to protect our children and to hold those who abuse them accountable.”
A Career in Politics
Prior to his election to parliament, Amon served as a Northern Beaches councillor.
He was elected to the council in 2017 and represented Narrabeen Ward until 2021.
In 2021, he was elected to represent Pittwater Ward.
Amon was a vocal advocate for the Northern Beaches community during his time on council.
He was particularly known for his work on issues such as traffic congestion, public transport, and environmental protection.
After leaving council, Amon was elected to the NSW Parliament in the March 2023 election.
He won the seat of Pittwater with a 22% swing against the Liberals.
Following the election, Amon was appointed to the shadow ministry as the assistant shadow minister for infrastructure, transport, roads, and youth.
A Community Leader
Amon is a well-known figure in the Northern Beaches community. He has been a volunteer firefighter for many years, and is also a rugby referee and runner.
He is also a member of the Davidson RFS Brigade and is known to have served in the Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla during the Black Summer bushfires. He is also a family lawyer.
The charges against Amon are a shock to the community, and the case is sure to be closely watched in the coming months.
Amon’s legal team has confirmed that he will plead not guilty to the charges and the case is expected to be heard in Manly Local Court on September 18.
A Test of Trust
Amon’s case is a reminder that anyone can be a victim of child sexual abuse.
It is also a reminder of the importance of speaking out about abuse and seeking help.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
The impact on the NSW Liberal Party
The charges against Amon have also had a significant impact on the NSW Liberal Party.
The party has been struggling in the polls since the 2023 election, and the charges against Amon are likely to further damage the party’s reputation.
The Liberal Party has been criticised for its handling of the allegations against Amon.
Some critics have argued that the party should have taken action against Amon sooner.
Others have argued that the party should have been more transparent about the allegations against Amon.
The charges against Amon are a major blow to the Liberal Party, and it remains to be seen how the party will recover from this setback.
A Call for Action
The charges against Amon have also sparked a renewed call for action on child sexual abuse.
Advocates for child protection have called on the government to invest more in prevention programs and to make it easier for victims to come forward.
The charges against Amon are a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children from abuse.
It is a tragedy that a young person has been allegedly abused, and we must all work together to ensure that this never happens again.
Final Thoughts
The charges against Amon are a reminder of the importance of holding those who commit child sex offences accountable for their actions.
The case is likely to have a significant impact on the NSW Liberal Party and on the wider community.
It is also a reminder of the importance of speaking out against child sexual abuse and seeking help if you or someone you know needs it.
