Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm says he’d win any defamation case launched against him by Greens counterpart Sarah Hanson-Young, as supporters create crowdfunding campaigns for both politicians.



“The legal advice I’ve received would suggest she’s not likely to win,” he told AAP on Tuesday of the threatened legal action.

“There’s substantial risk to her. If she loses, she’ll pay my costs – and the costs in a defamation action are not insignificant.”

GoFundMe campaigns have been created by supporters of both parties to contribute to their anticipated legal costs.

“I’ve had thousands and thousands of offers of support and people indicating that they’re on my side,” Senator Leyonhjelm said.

Senator Hanson-Young said on Monday night she was suing Senator Leyonhjelm on behalf of all women who have “had enough” after he told her in the Senate to “stop shagging men”.

The comment was on June 28 amid a parliamentary debate on legislation seeking to prevent violence against women.

Senator Leyonhjelm has refused to retract his remarks or apologise, making further comments about Senator Hanson-Young’s private life in live interviews on Sky News and Melbourne radio station 3AW.

Senator Leyonhjelm received a concerns notice from Senator Hanson-Young a week ago that gave him seven days to respond, but says full legal action is yet to commence.

Since calling out the sexist attack on me last week I’ve been flooded with stories from women around the country who have experienced sexual harassment & bullying in their workplaces. This legal fight is for them. Any $ will go to the Working Women’s Center & Plan International — Sarah Hanson-Young💚 (@sarahinthesen8) July 9, 2018

On Monday night, Senator Hanson-Young tweeted thanks to the creators of her GoFundMe campaign, saying any winnings from a law suit would go to women’s charities.

“I’m taking this action on principle, for all women who have had enough,” she tweeted.

“Since calling out the sexist attack on me last week I’ve been flooded with stories from women … This legal fight is for them.”

-with AAP