Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters has described the social culture of Parliament House as toxic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes as further allegations of sexual assault emerge, following a disclosure from former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins.
"It was hard to walk into Parliament House this week and not feel angry, sad and shocked," Ms Chesters said.
"This is not some seedy night club or abandoned park. This is Parliament House. It should be one of the safest workplaces in Australia."
Ms Higgins is pursuing a formal complaint with federal police about the alleged assault against her in Parliament House in 2019.
The man alleged to have raped Ms Higgins has been linked to a second assault against another woman. That assault is alleged to have occurred in 2020, according to The Australian.
The woman reportedly believed the alleged assault against her would never have happened if the government had adequately dealt with what occurred to Ms Higgins the previous year.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said reports of a second assault were distressing and upsetting.
"What I must do and continue to do is focus on ensuring that the needs of our staff are addressed, that they are safe, that those who have suffered the trauma and horror of events like this in the past are respected and that we give every support we can to ensure that the police authorities can take up these matters as discreetly as they possibly can," Mr Morrison said.
"At all times, the ministers who had knowledge of this matter and those in a senior position, the staff that had knowledge of those matters in those offices, sought to have the matter fully investigated by the police."
More news: PM 'upset' by second assault allegation
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese criticised the government's response to Ms Higgins' assault, including Mr Morrison's selection of former chief of staff Phil Gaetjens to lead a review.
"You need that arm's length capacity to deal with these issues, independent of government or any political party, to deal with it transparently and it needs to have the authority to deal with it," Mr Albanese said.
Ms Chesters said she had been concerned about the culture of Parliament House before the allegations of sexual assault emerged, and was even more so as a result.
She believed Parliament House needed to play a leading role in responding to allegations of sexual assault and abuse, noting the "unacceptable" rates of sexual violence in the Australian community.
One in five people experience sexual assault, and people from all walks of life are affected.
Fears of not being believed, of being discouraged from reporting, and of damage to careers are among the reasons people are hesitant to disclose abuse and pursue justice.
Ms Chesters commended Ms Higgins for her courage in coming forward, and hoped she had been receiving genuine support and justice.
"I welcome the announcement of an independent review into the toxic social culture of Parliament House," the Member for Bendigo said.
"However, it must truly be independent. Staff should be given the opportunity to participate fully and for their voices to be heard in a confidential and respectful way."
Ms Chesters believed the recommendations of the Respect@Work: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces, presented to the federal government almost a year ago, should also be implemented.
Seeking help
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse and needs support, help is available. Contact:
- Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria - 03 5441 0430, from 9am - 5pm on weekdays.
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line - 1800 806 292, at all other times.
- The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service, 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732, available 24 hours
If life is in danger, phone 000