Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has thanked Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his apology over the way her complaint about her alleged rape was initially handled, but called for a review that goes further than the government's initial response.
Scott Morrison says his wife made him realise the scale of the anguish that a former staff member has suffered. (file pic) Photo: AFP
Higgins alleges a male colleague raped her in the office of then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds after a night out in 2019.
She released a statement on Tuesday afternoon welcoming a "long overdue" investigation into the culture in Parliament House as announced by Morrison, but called for an additional review into the laws that govern ministerial workplaces.
Morrison initiated two new processes on Tuesday morning to improve the handling of complaints both inside the Coalition and within politics more broadly.
But Higgins wants a more extensive review.
"A clear path forward is now required - and that includes a comprehensive review to the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act to ensure adequate protections for staff," Higgins wrote.
"There needs to be an independent reporting mechanism for staff where they can confidently and safely make complaints - similar to processes in many other workplaces in Australia and abroad."
She said everyone should feel safe to report sexual assault without fear of losing their job, and she asked for privacy "as I begin to emotionally recover".
Addressing the incident on Tuesday morning, Morrison said: "This should not be an environment where a young woman can find herself in such a vulnerable situation.
"That is not OK."
Higgins said in the days that followed the alleged rape, she was called to a meeting with Senator Reynolds in the same office where it occurred.
Morrison today apologised to Higgins for this.
Trauma compounded - former minister
During question time on Tuesday, Senator Reynolds apologised "unreservedly", saying there was a range of circumstances that compounded Higgins' trauma and grief and more could have been done to support her.
"No woman should ever have to go through what she has clearly been through," she said.
"That trauma that comes not just in the immediate aftermath of an assault, but in the many months and the many years that follow it, is what those of us in this building failed to acknowledge."
More support for women in politics
Morrison also announced two new initiatives to better support women in politics.
He said West Australian MP Celia Hammond, former vice-chancellor of the University of Notre Dame, would now work with Coalition MPs to consider new standards.
And Morrison has asked Stephanie Foster, a senior bureaucrat in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, to advise him on how to establish an external complaints handling process that will allow women to make complaints at arm's length from the party.
Addressing how the meeting between Reynolds and Higgins was held at the scene of the alleged rape, Morrison said: "That should not have happened and I do apologise. That shouldn't have happened.
"That's one of I suspect many process issues that Stephanie Foster will I hope identify to ensure those improvements are made."
The prime minister initially addressed the issue in Parliament yesterday, when he described it as "very distressing".
He revealed this morning he spoke to his wife Jenny last night, prompting his further response.
"She said to me, 'You have to think about this as a father first. What would you want to happen if it were our girls?'
"Jenny has a way of clarifying things."
Morrison was asked why he had not been informed by either Senator Reynolds or other staff who knew about the nature of the incident, and whether he had a "don't ask, don't tell policy".
"That is a very valid question and I can assure you I am not happy about the fact that it was not brought to my attention - and I can assure you people know that," he said.
He said the incident was dealt with swiftly as a security incident based on what was known at the time.
-ABC
Where to get help for sexual violence:
Victim Support 0800 842 846
Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00
HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): be 04 801 6655 - 0
Safe to talk: a 24/7 confidential helpline for survivors, support people and those with harmful sexual behaviour: 0800044334.
Mosaic - Tiaki Tangata Peer support for males who have experienced trauma and sexual abuse: 0800 94 22 94