Keppel MP Brittany Lauga returns to work after alleged sexual assault

A Queensland MP who was allegedly sexually assaulted after having her drink spiked says the ordeal has been ‘indescribably tough” but won’t stop her from running again in the October state election.

Brittany Lauga says she will run again in the October state election after her alleged sexual assault and drink spiking.

“Indescribably tough” is how alleged sexual assault and drink spiking victim Keppel MP Brittany Lauga describes the weeks since she first reported the incident, filmed by a bystander and spread across social media like wildfire.

But she won’t let it stop her from standing at the October state election, confirming she will run for the fourth time.

On Monday she returned to work after time away after she made a police complaint that she was drugged and sexually assaulted on Sunday, April 28.

A grainy video shot by bystanders and widely circulated on social media shows a man and the female MP in the Anzac Parade, Yeppoon carpark across from The Strand Hotel.

“I truly believe what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger,” Ms Lauga said.

State Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga pictured with Premier Steven Miles Picture Instagram

Ms Lauga said victims have told her that they are “engulfed by shame” and they “think that they would not be believed”.

“We need to be vigilant with our safety but we also shouldn’t have to put up with this rot,” she said.

“I believe everyone deserves to be able to have a night out and be safe.

“I have received messages from many women both in Yeppoon and right across Australia who have experienced their drink being spiked.

“I also received a message from a man who had experienced it.”

Ms Lauga’s return to work has not come soon enough for her One Nation rival, James Ashby, who recently called for another Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure while she was on leave.

Senator Pauline Hanson and James Ashby, the Keppel candidate for Pauline Hanson's One Nation at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“With the current assistant minister on leave as she deals with the sexual assault allegations she has raised, and her electorate office indefinitely closed, Steven Miles needs to appoint someone to take on the minister’s responsibilities,“ Mr Ashby said.

Ms Lauga closed her Keppel electorate office in Yeppoon last week after receiving threats following her police complaint, however she said her staff were working remotely and could be contacted by phone or email.

It remains closed.

The politician posted on Tuesday, May 21 afternoon that the Keppel electorate office was closed at the request of Queensland Parliamentary Services “as a result of several threatening and offensive safety concerns from members of the public”.

Brittany Lauga FB post

Ms Lauga said the threatening and offensive safety concerns have been referred to police, along with security footage, email and voicemail evidence.

“I’m the politician. People can fire bullets at me all they like. I’m used to it! But leave my staff, family and friends alone!

thanks,” she posted on social media.

Ms Lauga will face off against not just Mr Ashby but also popular former Livingstone Shire Council deputy mayor Nigel Hutton, who is running for the LNP.

“I’m making a steady return to my work,” she said.

Brittany Lauga says she is making a steady return to work.

“And I assure you, I will be back, stronger than ever and ready to continue my fight for our community.

“I got into politics because I want to stand up for our region, to stand up for workers, to stand up for better services and a bright future for our kids. And I’ve done that every single day since I was elected.

“But I still have unfinished business and I won’t be hanging up the boots until my work is done.

“I’m looking forward to the contest of ideas and debate about our region’s future in a respectful way during the election period.”

Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett, LNP Candidate for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, LNP Candidate for Keppel Nigel Hutton and LNP Candidate for Mirani Glenn Kelly.

Ms Lauga believes drink spiking it is more common than she realised.

“Though spiking doesn’t always happen at licensed premises – people have contacted me who it’s happened to at a friend’s BBQ and even at their own home,” she said.

“Most people don’t know that alcohol is the most common drug used in drink spiking.

“I would like to hear more from victims, licensed premises, police, sexual assault services and others in the community about ways we can improve safety and reduce the prevalence of drink spiking. But we also need to give victims a safe and compassionate way to report instances of drink spiking.”

Police remain tight lipped as the investigation continues.

Queensland Health has been contacted for drink spiking data in the Yeppoon and wider Central Queensland community, but have yet to provide a response.

Originally published as Keppel MP Brittany Lauga returns to work after alleged sexual assault