Inquest into death of Christian Porter accuser likely

The Prime Minister has confirmed Christian Porter will not be returning to parliament when it resumes next Monday.

A coronial inquest is looking like the most likely outcome to break the stalemate between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his critics over whether to call an inquiry to a historic sex assault allegation against Attorney-General Christian Porter with figures on both left and right backing the move.

Speaking to business leaders in Sydney on Tuesday, Mr Morrison maintained his position that the rule of law meant that Mr Porter must not be subjected to any extra-judicial inquiries about the incident, said to have occurred during a debating tournament in 1988.

But, he added, this would not stop an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of the woman at the centre of the claims last year in South Australia.

Christian Porter has denied the historical sex assault allegations. Picture: Stefan Gosatti / AFP

“Coroners should follow their own processes, they should make their own decisions and if there should be a coronial inquiry, then that is, of course, the process,” Mr Morrison said.

“And I’m happy to see those processes proceed as coroners see fit.”

Mr Morrison also confirmed that Mr Porter would not be returning to parliament when it resumes Monday.

Later, speaking to reporters in Pyrmont after announcing a $1.2 billion boost to apprenticeships, Mr Morrison again underlined Mr Porter’s presumption of innocence.

“I believe in the presumption of innocence and the rule of law and he’s entitled to that. And the competent and authorised agencies through the police and the court system, that’s what determines these matters at the end of the day,” he said.

“There are not two rules. There are not two laws in this country. There are not two processes. There is one. And we’re all subject to it.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a visit to Signorelli Gastronomia in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

Mr Morrison’s defence of police and court processes comes amidst growing calls for some sort of officially sanctioned examination of the case, which has dominated the political news cycle since news of the allegations sensationally broke two Fridays ago.

Deputy Opposition Leader Richard Marles added his voice to calls for an inquiry Tuesday, saying, “Going forward it does seem that there needs to be some sort of inquiry.

“Christian Porter is not just any person. He is our nation’s attorney-general, and it’s important matters aren’t left where they are.”

Marles’s comments came the day after former cabinet minister Julie Bishop told ABC’s 7:30 that she too supported an inquiry.

“It’s within the criminal system, there are checks and balances, there are statutory powers, it has legal standing and so that is the next step and I understand from media reporting that that’s what the family would welcome,” she said.