The government has immediately sacked a staffer after Network Ten reported that a whistleblower had provided footage recorded in Parliament House “of men engaged in blatant sex acts”.
Phil Gaetjen’s evidence before senate estimates today, raise questions as to whether Scott Morrison deliberately concealed the truth during question time last week.
There are many legitimate reasons why survivors of sexual violence may not immediately report to police. But a delay in reporting, in itself, should not affect the credibility of the allegations.
Following the airing of an historical claim made by a woman that she was allegedly raped by a man who is presently a member of the federal cabinet, Scott Morrison has been called upon to set up an inquiry.
In the wake of high-profile allegations of sexual assault, it is important people know there are informal avenues for survivors to report their stories.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds faces an agonising question. Should she say to Scott Morrison that she doesn’t feel up to staying in what is one of the most demanding portfolios in the government?
There are currently four separate inquiries into the shocking allegations made by Higgins. But it is also vital that the structural issues around ministerial staffers and accountability be addressed.
One analyst describes Labor’s lead in WA as “scarcely possible”, while new focus on sexual assault at Parliament House has not had an impact on the latest federal Newspoll.
Scott Morrison has been wounded by the revelation this week of an alleged rape in Parliament House. But the fear must be that Brittany Higgins has become a victim twice over – of the incident itself and the fallout these past days.
The male privilege in Australia’s parliament has given its members such a sense of exceptionalism, they think the standards of the corporate office should not apply to their workplace.