‘Sickened’ Morrison talks about long-time ‘issue’ as second woman alleges rape
- par Laura Grandis
- dans Médecine
- — Fév 20, 2021
Ms Higgins revealed her story last week, alleging she had been raped by a fellow staffer in the office of then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds in March 2019.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he is "very upset" by new allegations from a second woman claiming she was assaulted by the same former Morrison adviser accused of raping Brittany Higgins in 2019.
In the interview, she said she feared losing her job after the alleged assault in 2019 and had little support from her bosses.
Speaking to Network Ten, she claimed she had told her employer and the minister told her she would be supported if she pursued a police complaint, but she felt pressured not to, believing it would end her career.
But on Friday, Ms Higgins announced she had "re-engaged" with the Australian Federal Police and would proceed with a formal complaint.
Brittany Higgins (left) is seen with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the lead up to the 2019 election.
Mr Morrison has apologised for the way the matter was handled.
"Too often, a toxic workplace culture can emerge that enables inappropriate conduct and this is exacerbated by the disparity in the power dynamics".
Ms Higgins said the discussion about the incident with her boss was held in the room where the alleged attack took place, prompting her trauma to "loop" in her mind.
This article contains references to rape and sexual assault.
"I was failed repeatedly, but I now have my voice, and I am determined to use to ensure that this is never allowed to happen to another member of staff again".
Ms Higgins's rape allegations have rocked the nation's capital, and posed serious questions about whether the incident was covered up.
The fresh allegations, made anonymously to the Weekend Australian, come amid ongoing calls for an independent probe into the handling of Ms Higgins' allegations.
Mr Albanese said it is "beyond belief" that Mr Morrison could not have been aware of the reported sexual assault.
Ms Higgins has urged for a "comprehensive investigation". "I started crying. I told him to stop". Mr Morrison denied he had misled the public and maintains he is horrified by the allegations.
Mr Morrison said he was made aware of the new allegations when they appeared in the media this morning.
"This has been a challenging issue for many, many years. And I think we would be naive to think it's not a challenge that other workplaces face all around the country, but I agree the parliament should be setting the standard", he told said.
"I hugely admire Brittany Higgins's courage in coming forward with her account of her rape in Parliament House", Ms Gillard said in a statement. "Those who are there now will be doing everything we can to make sure this workplace are safe as possible".
Australia's Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese today described the new reports as "shocking" and "distressing".
