Scott Morrison responds to sexism scandal after Four Corners report on Christian Porter, Alan Tudge
Scott Morrison says Australians “understand human frailty”, as he backs two ministers at the centre of a scandal. But some senators say sexism and harassment are “rife” in Parliament.
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Two senior ministers at the centre of sexism allegations will not be stood aside, as Mr Morrison described the issues as very important and said his Cabinet had “no doubt” on what his expectations were.
Mr Morrison said he believed that “Australians understand about human frailty” and said the issues reported in the 4Corners investigation had occurred and been dealt with under former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
The expose itself became subject to debate, with some MPs branding it “one-sided”, while others saying it showed a need for reforms to create a safe workplace for women in Parliament.
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The report aired allegations of an affair between staffer Rachelle Miller and then-human services Minister Alan Tudge as well as disputed claims that Attorney-General Christian Porter kissed a young staffer at a Canberra bar.
Mr Porter has reserved his right to take legal action in relation to the claims and on Tuesday said he had “never breached the Ministerial code of conduct”.
Mr Morrison said the alleged matters had occurred under the Turnbull Government and had been addressed when the ban on Minister’s engaging in intimate relations with their staff was implemented.
“There are no matters before me about their behaviour in my Cabinet,” he said.
Mr Morrison also accused the ABC of a one-sided report and questioned why the report focused on claims against Government Ministers.
“If anyone who has had any experience around this place thinks that issues in the past are limited to one side of politics, well, honestly, you reckon? You really reckon?,” he said.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese is understood to have addressed Labor’s caucus meeting to say the allegations raised were “deeply disturbing” and reiterated that the party had a “robust internal complaints process” for staff subject to sexual harassment.
Greens Senator Larissa Waters said Mr Morrison needed to take action against the “toxic culture” in Parliament.
“We know there are so many more incidents that weren’t broadcast last night, we know that sexism and harassment are rife in this building, but women don’t speak out because they are afraid for their careers,” she said.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said it had been a “blown out, one sided story by the ABC”.
“My experience with Tudge and Porter has always been professional and respectful,” she said.
Originally published as Scott Morrison responds to sexism scandal after Four Corners report on Christian Porter, Alan Tudge