Queensland MP Brittany Lauga. Photo: https://brittanylauga.com.au
Warning: this story contains references to sexual assault
Queensland Labor MP Brittany Lauga has alleged she was drugged and sexually assaulted in the central Queensland town of Yeppoon last weekend.
In a statement posted on social media, Lauga said she had contacted police in the early hours of Sunday morning.
"Tests at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in my body which I did not take. This substance impacted me significantly," she said.
The member for Keppel also wrote that throughout the week she had been contacted by a number of other women with similar experiences from the town.
"This could have happened to anyone and tragically, it does happen to many of us," she said.
"It's not OK. We should be able to enjoy socialising in our town without the risk of being drugged or assaulted."
The Queensland Police Service has confirmed they are investigating a sexual assault complaint relating to an incident in Yeppoon last Sunday.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the government was supporting Lauga in any way they could.
"No one should have to go through what Brittany is going through," he said.
"My sole focus is on Brittany and her wellbeing. I've told Brittany that we're here to support her, whatever she needs."
Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the statement made for "difficult reading".
"Those are shocking allegations … I understand that Brittany is going to take a short time to look after herself and we absolutely support her to do that," she said.
Where to get help:
- NZ Police
- Victim Support 0800 842 846
- Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00
- Rape Prevention Education
- Safe to Talk - a 24/7 confidential helpline for survivors, support people and those with harmful sexual behaviour: 0800044334
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
- This story was first published by the ABC