Australian PM apologises, guarantees probe after allegation of rape in parliament

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologised on Tuesday to a lady who alleged she was raped within the nation’s parliament by an unnamed colleague, and promised a radical investigation into the federal government’s office tradition.
The girl stated she had been raped within the workplace of Defence Minister Linda Reynolds in March 2019 by somebody who additionally labored for Morrison’s ruling Liberal get together.
She advised native media she spoke with the police in early April of that 12 months, however she determined towards making a proper criticism amid considerations about her profession prospects. Police within the capital confirmed they’d spoken to a complainant in April 2019, however she selected to not make a proper criticism.

The girl stated she advised senior workers in Reynolds’ workplace of the alleged assault. She stated she was then requested to attend a gathering within the workplace the place she says she was assaulted.
Reynolds on Monday confirmed she had been advised of the criticism final 12 months, although she denied the girl was pressured towards making a police criticism.
Morrison on Tuesday apologised to the girl and promised an investigation.
“That should not have happened, and I do apologise,” Morrison advised reporters in Canberra. “I want to make sure any young woman working in this place is as safe as possible.”

Morrison stated he has appointed Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet official Stephanie Foster to evaluate the method in coping with office complaints, whereas a backbench lawmaker will examine office tradition.
The allegation has intensified stress on Morrison after a sequence of allegations of improper behaviour in direction of girl throughout the Liberal get together.
In 2019, feminine backbench lawmakers stated they felt bullied to assist a transfer to oust then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, whereas a former feminine Liberal workers member final 12 months made an official criticism of improper behaviour by then immigration minister Alan Tudge.

Tudge has denied the allegation.