Brittany Higgins parliament rape allegations: Independent review confirmed

An alleged rape of a young Liberal staffer by a colleague at Parliament House has prompted an investigation into the parliament’s response.

Scott Morrison has confirmed he will support an independent external review into an alleged rape at Parliament House.

The Prime Minister was lobbied by crossbench MPs, who called for an urgent external review of current procedures and practices.

The push follows a former young Liberal staffer, Brittany Higgins, claiming she had been raped by a colleague in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds’s office in March 2019.

It has also been revealed that the office was cleaned following the incident, and that Ms Higgins was later called to attend an employment meeting in the room where the alleged incident occurred.

Independent MP Rebekah Sharkie used question time on Wednesday to ramp up the pressure on Mr Morrison, asking if he would “restore confidence in the parliament” by having the procedures reviewed and establish an independent body to oversee future complaints.

“The short answer to that question is yes,” Mr Morrison told the parliament.

“I thank the members of the crossbench for their letter, Mr Speaker, as I do the suggestion from the Leader of the Opposition.

“I would stress that I don’t think we should presume the conclusions of what that review should be and what it may recommend.

“I look forward to that being finalised as soon as possible.”

Scott Morrison said the reports were distressing. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Anthony Albanese and his colleagues have continued to grill the government over the timeline of events. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

For the second day, the opposition also questioned Mr Morrison over when he and his office found out about the rape allegations.

The Prime Minister on Tuesday told the parliament that he was told on Monday morning and that his office became aware three days earlier.

“I have engaged with the secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to verify that advice,” Mr Morrison said.

Labor’s spokesperson for women, Tanya Plibersek, said the primary point of contact regarding the alleged rape of Ms Higgins was now working in the Prime Minister’s office.

But Mr Morrison said staffers were “bound” by their former offices.

“Particularly working in an office of a sensitive nature in the Defence portfolio,” he said.

“It is not common practice in my understanding that when staff move between offices that they disclose matters of other offices.”