The woman who accused Attorney-General Christian Porter of a historical rape told police she couldn’t proceed with the complaint for medical and personal reasons.
Mr Porter strongly denies allegations that he sexually assaulted the woman in Sydney in 1988 when they were teenagers.
The woman took her own life after deciding not to proceed with the complaint.
NSW Police on Thursday released an updated statement detailing the actions taken by the strike force established to investigate the claims.
On 23 June last year, the woman emailed detectives indicating she didn’t feel able to continue with the matter, citing medical and personal reasons.
“The woman very clearly articulated in that email that she did not want to proceed with the complaint,” police said in a statement.
A strike force detective responded the following day before SA Police told NSW colleagues about her death on 25 June.
Detectives from the child abuse and sex crimes squad first met with the woman at Kings Cross Police Station on 27 February, 2020.
Police say the woman told investigators she had health issues at that meeting.
“She also advised investigators that she dissociates and wanted to ensure when supplying her statement that she was coherent and as grounded as possible,” the statement said.
Investigators had ongoing contact on at least five occasions with the woman over the subsequent three months.
It wasn’t until after her death that police obtained a personal document, which has reportedly been included in a dossier sent to federal politicians.
The investigation was closed after the strike force sought legal advice on the document, with police citing a lack of admissible evidence.
The South Australian coroner is also investigating the circumstances around her death and currently considering whether to conduct an inquest.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence or sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Readers seeking support with mental health can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. More information is available at Beyondblue.org.au. Embrace Multicultural Mental Health supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
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