Police await forensic evidence in Keppel MP Brittany Lauga’s case
More than four months after a Qld MP made a rape and drink spiking complaint to police, the investigation continues. But she says she is focusing on what is in her control - campaigning for the election.
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Incumbent Keppel MP Brittany Lauga says she remains laser-focused on winning the seat for a fourth time as the investigation into her alleged rape and drink spiking drags into its fifth month.
Shockingly, police are still awaiting the results of forensic evidence after Ms Lauga first made the complaint following a football celebration and night out on April 28 in Yeppoon, the heart of her electorate.
The assistant health minister and regional health infrastructure for Queensland says she took a forensic rape kit that same time night at the Yeppoon Hospital and tested positive for drugs she did not consume.
Ms Lauga previously told a media outlet she had completed drug, blood and urine tests, and police had taken her clothes, as part of the investigation.
The 38-year-old mother described the weeks following the alleged sexual assault and drink spiking as “indescribably tough”, with a bystander filming it.
The grainy video which quickly spread on social media shows a man and the female MP in the Anzac Parade, Yeppoon carpark across from The Strand Hotel.
After a period of mental health leave and the closure of her electorate office following allegations her staff, family and friends were receiving disturbing threats, the Labor MP launched back into the political race with gusto.
“I truly believe what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger,” Ms Lauga said at the time.
Speaking to this publication this week, Ms Lauga said she would be concentrating on fighting for her seat and not the investigation, which was outside her control.
Popular former Livingstone Shire Council deputy mayor Nigel Hutton and Pauline Hanson’s former chief of staff James Ashby are both hoping to topple Ms Lauga at the October state election.
The pair already have their signs up and have long been out on the hustings drumming up support among locals.
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Originally published as Police await forensic evidence in Keppel MP Brittany Lauga’s case
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