CANBERRA (AUSTRALIA) – Australian finance minister Simon Birmingham has announced that an independent inquiry has been launched into the workplace culture of Australia’s Parliament owing to rape allegations involving staff members of the ruling Liberal party.
Addressing reporters Adelaide, the state capital of South Australia, amid mounting public pressure for action, Birmingham said, “The Parliament of Australia should set the standard for the nation. It should reflect best practice in the prevention of, and response to, any instances of bullying, sexual harassment, or sexual assault.”
Three female employees of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s Liberal party last month said they had been raped by the same man in 2019 and 2020. The man they accused also worked for the party, but has left since.
Ever since one of the alleged victims has lodged a complaint with police after first going public with her accusation, without naming the man Australian politics and the Liberals have come under the media’s harsh spotlight.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government has been rocked by the series of complaints, which is expected to weigh on public support.
