This article contains references to rape and sexual assault.
There is growing pressure for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to commission an independent review into the handling of sexual assault and harassment complaints inside Parliament House.
Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has alleged she was raped by a male colleague inside a ministerial office, raising serious concerns about the government’s response to the complaint.
Ms Higgins said she felt “dismissed” as a political problem following the alleged incident and didn’t take the complaint further with police because she was worried it would impact her career.
Mr Morrison has promised to conduct an internal review of the way government ministers and staff respond to claims of harassment inside Parliament.
But critics – including Labor, the Greens and crossbench MPs – say the response is insufficient and an independent review outside of government influence is crucial.
“The culture of cover up here is highly concerning,” Labor’s government accountability spokesperson Kristina Keneally Keneally told reporters.
“We have Brittany Higgins’ own evidence that she felt like a problem to be managed rather than a crime where she was the victim and it should be reported.
“It shouldn’t have been up to the victim and the survivor to ensure that other women are safe – there should have been a process in place,” she added.
Ms Higgins has also called for an “independent reporting mechanism” for staff where they can “confidently and safely” make complaints.
Liberal MP Celia Hammond, a former university vice chancellor, has been asked to review cultural problems around the treatment of women in Parliament.
Mr Morrison has also tasked his department’s deputy secretary Stephanie Foster to lead a review of how the complaints process is conducted.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese on Tuesday asked Mr Morrison if he would be open to also pursuing an independent audit into the way complaints are handled across Parliament.
Mr Morrison said he would consider the idea calling it a “positive” suggestion.
“The government is very happy to sit down with the leader of the opposition and other leaders of parties … to pursue a path like that,” he said on Tuesday.
‘Systemic problems’ inside Parliament
Crossbench MPs have written to Mr Morrison to call for the establishment of an independent complaints body.
Helen Haines, Zali Steggall and Rebekha Sharkie say the complaints body needs to exist outside the Department of Finance, which currently handles such matters.
“The recent allegations of a serious sexual assault taking place within the Australian Parliament House building have highlighted systemic problems that exist within this institution,” their letter reads.
Ms Haines told SBS News an independent review of how sexual assault and harassment complaints are handled was needed to ensure people can pursue these matters in confidence.
“We feel there needs to be a thorough review from an external body or external person thoroughly independent and that the findings be made public,” she said.
“We need a culture in the Australian Parliament that everyone could look up to.”
Ms Steggall said Mr Morrison’s response was not “sufficient’ saying an “external review” would be a more appropriate response.
“To ensure that there actually is safeguards put in place and proper processes and that this goes beyond any political party,” she said.
Concerns over government’s response to the complaint
Ms Higgins was 24 and working for then-Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds when the alleged rape occurred.
Mr Morrison has apologised to Ms Higgins for the way the government handled its response to the incident.
Ms Higgins’ allegations have drawn renewed attention to what has long been criticised as a toxic culture for women inside Parliament House.
Mr Morrison denied his party had a “women problem” before the 2019 general election, after the departure of several female MPs.
Other former Liberal staffers have previously gone public with allegations of sexual assault.
Mr Albanese on Wednesday said “it is very clear that there are cultural problems here [that] need to be dealt with” across the political divide.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
