Historical rape allegations against cabinet minister referred to police

The government is also preparing to form an independent inquiry into the culture of Parliament after former Liberal adviser Brittany Higgins went public last week with allegations she was raped by a colleague in a ministerial office in March 2019.

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NSW Police confirmed the historical rape allegations on Friday night, saying the correspondence related to a report its Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad had received in February last year.

“At that time, detectives commenced an investigation under Strike Force Wyndarra,” NSW Police said.

The woman who made the allegations spoke to NSW Police last year but did not make a formal statement and later took her own life, which meant investigators had to suspend the investigation.

“After strike force investigators were advised that the body of a 49-year-old woman was located at a home [in] Adelaide by South Australia Police on Wednesday, 24 June, 2020, the investigation was suspended,” NSW Police said.

“NSW Police understand that reporting sexual assault can be distressing and traumatic for victims – and it is always the choice of an individual whether to proceed with an investigation or not.”

The South Australian Police are continuing to prepare a report for the state coroner on the woman’s death.

Senator Wong confirmed late on Friday she had received the anonymous letter and sent it to police.

“The contents of the letter, and an attachment, which appears to be a statement prepared by the complainant, relate to an allegation of rape,” she said in a statement.

“I understand the complainant reported this allegation to the NSW Police Force and South Australia Police.

“I have forwarded the letter to the NSW Police Force, South Australia Police and the Australian Federal Police to assist in any investigations which may be under way.

“I have also written to the Prime Minister and Senator Hanson-Young to outline the steps I have taken following receipt of this anonymous letter.

“It is my hope that appropriate action is taken to examine the allegation.”

Senator Hanson-Young also confirmed she had received the letter.

“This morning I received information regarding a disturbing and a very serious allegation of a criminal nature against a senior member of the government,” she said.

“I am aware that other members of Parliament have received the same information I have, including the Prime Minister.

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“Following the advice given to the Prime Minister by the AFP Commissioner this week, I have spoken with the Police Commissioner today who is now taking steps in relation to this information.”

ABC journalist Louise Milligan reported the letter shortly before 6pm on Friday, saying the author of the letter did not identify themselves but said they were friends of the complainant who had gone to the police about the rape.

Ms Milligan said the letter asked the Prime Minister to launch an independent investigation along the lines of the inquiry the High Court commissioned into Dyson Heydon.

“Sadly the complainant in this case took her life in June last year. This matter cannot be investigated by police now,” Ms Milligan said on ABC News.

While the two senators said the anonymous letter was also addressed to Mr Morrison, the Prime Minister’s media advisers did not confirm whether the office had received the letter or the attachment.

A spokesman for Mr Morrison cited advice from the AFP commissioner in his letter to all MPs saying they should report any claims of sexual assault without delay.

“As per the AFP commissioner’s instruction, any complaints or allegations of this nature made to anybody – whether they’re parliamentarians or journalists – should be referred to the AFP,” the spokesman said.

“As the Australian Federal Police commissioner outlined in advice to all parliamentarians on 25 February 2021, reporting to the police is the way to ensure any alleged crimes are properly investigated.”

The Australian Federal Police said it would not comment on the matter.

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