‘Superficial distractions’: Grace Tame blasts Prime Minister’s Cabinet reshuffle
Liberal senator Amanda Stoker has responded to Grace Tame who criticised her inclusion in the Prime Minister’s new-look cabinet.
National
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Grace Tame has branded the Prime Minister’s new-look cabinet “naively misled”, as the MP she called into question denied her concerns.
Australian of the Year Tame accused Liberal senator Amanda Stoker – who Scott Morrison promoted in his new ministry – of endorsing a “fake rape crisis tour” and not supporting victims of sexual assault.
In an Instagram post, Ms Tame claimed Ms Stoker had supported an Australia Day honour for columnist Bettina Arndt, “a woman who gave a platform to the convicted paedophile who abused me”.
“The new Assistant Minister for Women is someone who previously endorsed a ‘fake rape crisis’ tour, aimed at falsifying instances of sexual abuse on school and university campuses across Australia,” Ms Tame wrote on Instagram.
“It goes without saying that this came at an immeasurable cost to already traumatised student survivors.”
But Ms Stoker today dismissed Ms Tame’s concerns as “passionate but not informed”.
Ms Stoker said she spent her career as a prosecutor and barrister “working for justice for women and children who are victims of sexual crimes and unconscionable exploitation”.
“As a barrister, I provided countless hours of pro bono support to women dealing with sexual harassment,” Ms Stoker said.
“In my parliamentary role I fight relentlessly for projects and resources that improve the safety of women at risk of violence.
The Queensland Senator, who is seeking preselection again in May, said she did not attend Ms Arndt’s campus tour, but raised it in Senate estimates to “highlight the universities’ inconsistent approaches to free speech and deplatforming”.
She said she had “pointed out the hypocrisy” of demand Ms Arndt be stripped of an Australia Day honour when another recipient Mike Carlton had made offensive comments about an LNP MP.
“Ms Tame’s comments are passionate but not informed and they do not correspond with my longer history of work in this area, of which Ms Tame must be unaware,” Senator Stoker said.
“I hope that she and I can work together to advance our many shared goals. I invite Ms Tame to reach out to my office for a meeting, I will endeavour to make contact with Ms Tame to do the same.”
Ms Tame – who was groomed and raped by her 58-year-old maths teacher when she was 15 – said the PM had acted “dismissively” towards her when she expressed the need for a parliamentary task-force to tackle issues around sexual assault.
“Two months later in an attempt to repair his political standing following explosive allegations of sexual assault, discrimination and misconduct in parliament, he has rearranged his cabinet,” Ms Tame said, referring to the reshuffle as “superficial distractions posed as solutions”.
‘SEVERE STRESS’
A senior Liberal adviser has taken stress leave from Karen Andrews’ office after claiming the new Home Affairs Minister bullied, humiliated and victimised her over a six-month period.
The Australian reports that the complaint, first made by the long-serving female adviser in August and raised again on March 14, has come to light after Ms Andrews was promoted from the industry portfolio in a cabinet reshuffle designed to enhance focus on women’s issues.
In a letter sent to Ms Andrews earlier this month, the senior adviser claimed the workplace bullying was so significant she was “suffering severe stress, anxiety, sleeplessness and depression”.
Ms Andrews “strenuously rejects these claims”, a spokesman said.
NEW-LOOK CABINET
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has formally sworn in the new members of his Cabinet after appointing five women to senior positions in the ministry.
The PM made it clear it was the responsibility of government to improve the safety of women as well as financial security.
It came after Minister for Women Marise Payne said she is satisfied Liberal backbencher Andrew Laming has “owned” his actions after he announced he would not contest the next election after admitting he abused female constituents online.
The government has been under pressure to sack Mr Laming immediately with Labor leader Anthony Albanese declaring the Queensland MP not fit to continue” as a federal MP.
Payne, who was yesterday declared Prime Minister for Women by Scott Morrison, told 2GB Mr Laming has “taken responsibility for his actions”.
“I hope it shows to others who would seek to engage in this sort of activity that it is completely unacceptable and that it must change,” she said.
Ms Payne said she understood that Liberal women do not want Mr Laming in their party room but “we do need to acknowledge that it is a big decision to say that you are going to leave the parliament.”
“It is also important to be the person who can say I own these behaviours, the behaviour must change,” she said.
The Senator also said she had never experienced harassment in the workplace.
“I know many people experience it and not just in our workplace of course. While it is currently an absolute focus on our workplace I know that in Australia and internationally these issues have had to be addressed,” she said.
PORTER, REYNOLDS DUMPED
Outgoing Attorney-General Christian Porter and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds have been dumped from their roles in the second cabinet shake-up in four months.
Both ministers, who are on medical leave, will remain on the frontbench upon their return.
After over a month of scandal focusing on the men’s mistreatment of women, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the overhaul would provide the chance to look at the issue through a “fresh lens”.
Mr Morrison confirmed he would chair, alongside Minister for Women Marise Payne, a new task force in response to issues surrounding women’s equality.
“Getting these results for Australian women will be achieved through collaboration,” he said on Monday.
“They’ll be achieved through listening, they’ll be achieved by acting together, they won’t be achieved by dividing Australians and setting them apart.”
Mr Morrison said Marise Payne would become “effectively … the Prime Minister for Women”.
“These changes will shake up what needs to be shaken up while maintaining the momentum and the continuity and the stability that Australia needs,” he said.
The latest reshuffle was triggered after Mr Morrison received advice from the Solicitor-General that there was a perceived conflict of interest if Mr Porter – who has denied historical rape allegations made against him – stayed in the role of Australia’s first law officer.
Mr Porter has been moved to the Industry, Science and Technology portfolio, previously held by Karen Andrews.
“I’ve spoken about this to Mr Porter over the course of these last few weeks when he’s been on mental health leave,” Mr Morrison said.
“This fully addresses all the issues that relate to the advice received from the Solicitor-General … He’s a very capable minister, and I’m sure he’ll apply his considerable talents to that portfolio to the best of his abilities.”
Senator Reynolds, who is on leave due to a pre-existing heart condition, was criticised for her handling of former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations.
She has become the Government Services and NDIS Minister, replacing Stuart Robert.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash has been promoted to Attorney-General and Industrial Relations Minister, after acting in the role during Mr Porter’s absence.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has moved to Defence, and has been replaced by Industry, Science and Technology Minister Minister Karen Andrews.
“I want to thank Peter very much for the hard road he has had in that portfolio I have some knowledge and understanding of it,” he said.
Mr Dutton has also replaced Mr Porter as the government’s leader of the House.
Social Services Minister Anne Ruston has taken on a new role, the Minister for Women’s Safety.
Government Services and NDIS Minister Stuart Robert has replaced Ms Cash as Minister for Employment workforce Skills, Small and Family Business.
“He will be a key participant in the government‘s economic recovery strategy,” Mr Morrison said.
“Workforce is a big piece of our economic puzzle that we must get firmly in place.”
It comes after Mr Morrison’s approval ratings plummeted in a new opinion poll, following intense scrutiny of his leadership on the issue of treatment towards women at Parliament House.
Dr Laming’s shock exit came after his branch executive warned the Liberal National Party before the 2019 election of his “harmful” behaviour, including “belligerent” Facebook arguments with constituents.
Further damaging revelations emerged, including accusations he took an inappropriate photograph of a young woman’s underwear.
Mr Morrison will participate in the search for Dr Laming’s successor, with Queenslander and Industry Minister Karen Andrews likely to oversee the preselection process and nomination of a woman for the position.
The Australian has tipped Fran Ward, a 50-year-old businesswoman, mother of three and chair of the LNP’s small business policy committee, as Dr Laming’s replacement.
LAMING TO UNDERTAKE ‘EMPATHY TRAINING’
Dr Laming’s behaviour did not meet the “standards required of LNP Members”, the party has said in a statement revealing the controversial MP will undergo “empathy training”.
Ending his 17-year political career, an LNP spokesman said Dr Laming had announced he would not contest the next election.
“Dr Laming’s behaviour has not met the standards required of LNP Members, and we support the Prime Minister’s direction to seek and undertake professional assistance,” the spokesman said.
“Dr Laming will be undertaking empathy and communication training interstate at his own expense to address instances of behaviour that do not meet accepted community standards.
“He will also receive clinical counselling for as long as is required.”
The party spokesman said Dr Laming “intends to serve out this term of parliament”.
“He has given an undertaking to meet the standards expected of elected representatives,” he said.
In a statement Dr Laming said he would undertake the empathy training at his own expense “not just to be a better MP, but to be a deeper and more empathetic person than recent events have demonstrated”.
“I hope some privacy can be extended to me and my family at this time, and I ask my local community to be kind to them,” Dr Laming said.
“Being elected by the people of Bowman at six consecutive elections has been the greatest privilege of my life.
“I will not be contesting the next federal election in any capacity.”
Dr Laming will not recontest the next election but remains a “fit and proper person” to serve until then, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says.
It follows allegations of “outrageous” behaviour including taking a photograph of a woman bending over to put items into a fridge.
Mr Frydenberg said the Bowman electorate get a “fresh start” with Dr Laming agreeing to step down after a conversation with Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday.
“The Prime Minister spoke to Andrew yesterday and made it clear what was expected of our MPs,” he said.
“Andrew has reflected on that conversation … He has decided not to recontest the next election.
“The LNP will find a new candidate. That will be up to the preselectors.”
Mr Frydenberg said Dr Laming should not be kicked out of parliament sooner as he had been elected by constituents and would return to work in Budget week in May.
Dr Laming has said he took the photograph at a workplace two years ago, but rejected allegations he took an “inappropriate photograph with malicious intent”.
“Approximately two years ago, I visited a local business and took a photo of a staff member at work,” he said.
“However it was immediately obvious to me after taking the photograph that it should not have been taken. I apologised to the staff who did ask me what I was doing; and I deleted the image at that moment and showed them I had. I reiterate the apology made on Thursday, and wish to extend my deep regret to everyone for the lapse of judgment on that day.”
Asked if Dr Laming was a “fit and proper person” to be in parliament, the Treasurer said he understood that he was.
“That’s my view. As for him sitting into the LNP or Coalition party room, that will be a decision for the LNP itself,” he said.
The PM is expected to throw his support behind a “strong female candidate” to replace Dr Laming.
Mr Morrison has made it clear he would like to see a “strong female candidate” chosen by the party.
Despite not being part of the Queensland LNP, he is able to send a nominee or proxy to take part in the preselection in his stead.
LIBERAL FEMALE MPS BACK LAMING’S EXIT
Confirmation that Dr Laming would not recontest the next election came after two female Liberal MPs said they wanted Dr Laming to leave parliament.
But Liberal MP Katie Allen said Dr Laming had been in parliament for 17 years and it was time for him to consider if that was long enough.
“What he has been doing is completely outrageous and I’m very pleased that he is going to take some time off. Clearly the stress has been getting to him,” Ms Allen told the ABC.
“I really think he needs to have a pretty serious look about whether he will recontest the next general election.”
Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said she was not comfortable with Dr Laming’s alleged conduct and she “hoped” he goes.
“There is no excuse for bad behaviour. I’m really appalled by Andrew’s conduct,” Senator Henderson said.
“It is our job to call this out, no matter what side of politics, and he has indicated that he is reconsidering his future and that’s appropriate.”
Young Brisbane mother Crystal White went public with details of the incident on 9 News, where she revealed Dr Laming took a picture in 2019 of her bottom while her underwear was exposed as she bent down to fill a fridge with drinks at a landscape supplies business in Brisbane.
“It was really inappropriate, especially when I was bent over,” she said.
Ms White and a witness to the incident have given a formal statement to police.
According to 9 News, witnesses allege Laming leant around the corner to take the photo on his mobile phone.
Fellow worker Sean Blanco told 9 News that his manager saw Dr Laming do it and forced him to remove it from his phone.
Mr Blanco later posted about the incident on Dr Laming’s Facebook page saying: “Remember the time you took a photo of an employee bending over at a local landscaping yard? We had to force you to delete it before you left the store? We remember.”
Dr Laming replied to the post saying: “I do but it wasn’t meant to be rude – I thought it was funny but your reaction was awkward.”
When Ms White saw the exchange of words on Facebook, she told 9 News: “How is that funny? What’s funny about taking a picture of a lady bending over?”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk slammed Dr Laming’s online behaviour.
“For an MP to be trolling is absolutely disgraceful,” she said.
“I am very concerned that any MP would go about trolling.”
The Prime Minister on Friday said Dr Laming’s online attacks on charity worker Alix Russo and Sheena Hewlett, the wife of a local councillor in Dr Laming’s electorate of Bowman, were “disgraceful” and he personally dressed him down in the Prime Minister’s office.
“I spoke to him again this morning and I’m arranging for Andrew Laming to now go and get appropriate assistance in an appropriate course to build understanding and awareness about his actions,” Mr Morrison said.
“I hope that will see a significant change in his behaviour.”
Dr Laming apologised for his conduct in the lower house last week, but later admitted he “didn’t even know” what he was apologising for in a post accompanied by laughing emojis.
His Facebook page has now been removed from the site.
WHISTLEBLOWER QUESTIONS PM’S CLAIMS
The whistleblower at the centre of Parliament House’s sex culture has claimed lewd acts were happening even while Scott Morrison was Prime Minister.
According to The Weekend Australian, he also provided information to Finance Minister Simon Birmingham’s office last week.
“Tom the Whistleblower” — who spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Weekend Australian — said he met with Senator Birmingham’s chief of staff on Thursday from 10.30am to midday after a 30-minute phone call that day.
Tom said he was informed late on Friday by Senator Birmingham’s office that the Finance Department was “commencing an investigation” into political staff and he had been asked to provide statements.
He also said he verbally provided information to Senator Birmingham’s chief of staff relating to four people who are current and former staffers; three non-staffers; one sex worker; a former minister and a sitting MP about a string of sexual encounters from September 2015 to 2020.
On Friday it was revealed that Tom had provided “names, dates, pics, vids” and evidence in relation to the alleged use of male sex workers at Parliament House.
Senator Birmingham’s office has not denied meeting him.
It comes as more staffers could be sacked and MPs may be exposed after blew the lid on lewd sex acts claimed he’d also passed more information on to Labor Senator Kristina Keneally.
Senator Keneally announced on social media that someone from her office had spoken to the whistleblower and was given a “verbal briefing”, The Australian reports.
Tom revealed earlier this week that some male staffers had allegedly committed lewd acts on female MPs’ desks.
Channel 10 reported the claims last Monday night, which resulted in the sacking of a Liberal staffer who filmed himself performing a sex act on the desk of a female.
The footage was shared with a group of Coalition staffers who filmed themselves committing indecent acts inside Parliament House.
The Australian reports it has seen material provided by the whistleblower that shows at least four Coalition staffers swapping images and videos on Facebook Messenger over a two-year period ending last year.
One video reportedly shows a Coalition staffer performing a sex act on another man that he claims is the Parliament House office of an MP he works for.
MORRISON CALLS FOR CRACKDOWN ON STAFFERS
Government staffers will undertake face-to-face workplace, health and safety training amid sexual assault allegations and claims of inappropriate behaviour.
In an address to all Coalition staffers last Tuesday, Mr Morrison outlined three key actions to clamp down on parliament’s toxic culture.
He told staffers the government would establish a register for staff induction and professional conduct across all ministerial offices.
It comes after Mr Morrison said he was “shocked and disgusted” at reports of some male staffers allegedly committing crude sex acts in the offices of female MPs.
The Prime Minister held back tears several times during a press conference last Tuesday morning where he declared “we must get this house in order”.
Mr Morrison said the reports were “shameful” and added he had been “completely stunned” on multiple occasions over the past month — one where Parliament House has been rocked by multiple claims of it having a toxic culture.
He acknowledged it was the latest scandal in a “traumatic month” within parliament,
beginning with former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins’ allegation she was raped by a colleague in the building in 2019.
Previously, Mr Morrison was criticised for saying he had viewed Ms Higgins’ allegation through the prism of his own daughters.
He accepted he could have “chosen different words” but said the comments were made “in the best of faith” and no offence was intended.
His voice breaking and eyes watering, Mr Morrison asked for indulgence to speak about how his family has helped him understand the problems of women, saying, “Criticise me for speaking about my daughters but they are the centre of my life. My wife is the centre of my life. My widowed mother is the centre of my life.
“They have motivated me my entire life. I owe them everything. And to them I say to you girls I will not let you down.”
The Prime Minister did not rule out bringing in quotas to increase the representation of women in the Coalition.
– with Jessica McSweeney
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘Superficial distractions’: Grace Tame blasts Prime Minister’s Cabinet reshuffle
Read related topics:Parliament assault claims
Join the conversation
Huge blaze rips through industrial complex
Six light industrial businesses in Sydney’s west have been completely destroyed by fire after a massive blaze tore through the area.
Read more
Popular Sydney influencer found dead
Sydney influencer known for his 330,000 followers as “Humdinger” died after reportedly consuming cocaine laced with opioids.
Read more