Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says it is "incredible" that senior advisors in Scott Morrison's office did not know about the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins.
Key points:
- Malcolm Turnbull says he finds it "inconceivable" the Prime Minister's staff did not know about an alleged rape in Parliament
- Former staffer Brittany Higgins says a member of the Prime Minister's staff checked in on her last year
- Mr Morrison says his staff do not recall that incident
Ms Higgins told The Project that members of the Prime Minister's office knew about the alleged rape long before the allegations were revealed on Monday.
She said a person in Mr Morrison's office checked in on her last year, around the time Four Corners broadcast its story on sexism and inappropriate behaviour by the Attorney-General.
Mr Morrison on Tuesday said his staff did not have records and did not recall communicating with her.
"I understand that over time, particularly in situations like this, that information can become confused over time about who makes contact and things like that," he said.
"I accept that, I make no judgment about that."
Mr Turnbull said he found it "incredible" and "very, very, very hard to believe" that senior advisers in the Prime Minister's office would not have been aware of the nature of the incident.
"I find it inconceivable that that wasn't well known to at least key members of the Prime Minister's staff," he told ABC News Breakfast.
"And if it wasn't, there was clearly an absolutely baffling breakdown in communications."
"It just strains credulity."
Call for independent body
Federal Labor has backed calls for an independent complaints body to be established for political staffers in the wake of the matter.
The Prime Minister has announced two reviews in response to the allegations, one to be conducted by a Liberal MP and one by his department.
Crossbench MPs Zali Steggall, Rebekha Sharkie and Helen Haines say that is not good enough and recommended an independent review be established.
Ms Higgins herself has called for an independent reporting mechanism along with a comprehensive review of the laws that govern ministerial offices.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has echoed calls for a new body.
"Quite clearly we need an arm's length independent body that is able to investigate and provide support to anyone in this building who has an issue with their safety, that needs to be independent," he said.
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck told the ABC his heart sank when he heard about the alleged rape of Ms Higgins.
Senator Colbeck said he gathered all of his staff on Tuesday to ensure his workplace was one where everyone felt safe.
"I have to say my heart sank for Brittany when I heard what had occurred to her, and her circumstances," he said.
"The fact she's having panic attacks when coming to Parliament House indicates she's not in a good way and I'm very, very concerned for her welfare."
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2021-02-16 23:52:00Z
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