Christian Porter says it’s ‘not impossible’ he saw his accuser again after 1988

Christian Porter conceded it’s “not impossible” he saw the woman who accused him of rape again after 1988 but says he does not recollect a meeting.

Attorney-General Christian Porter has conceded it is possible that he had further contact with his accuser after 1988.

A distraught Mr Porter told reporters in Perth this week that he had never met the “bright, happy” woman again after a debating contest in Sydney.

“I remember the person as an intelligent, bright, happy person, but I hadn’t had any contact from that person, at all, to the best of my recollection, in the 33 years since that time in January 1988,” he said in answer to a reporter’s question.

However the woman’s unsworn affidavit claims they had dinner in Perth in 1994.

Following questions from news.com.au on Wednesday, Mr Porter’s office conceded it was possible.

“The Minister said at his media conference on Wednesday that to the best of his recollection he hadn’t had any contact from the person in question since January 1988,” a spokesman said.

“If there is some information that there was some form of contact in the early 1990’s, that is not impossible and it’s not a case of disputing that possibility. But the Attorney-General does not recollect any specific contact since 1988 in that period over three decades ago.

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Attorney-General Christian Porter conceded it is possible that he had further contact with his accuser after 1988. Picture: Stefan Gosatti / AFP

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“And, as noted by the Attorney-General on Wednesday, he has never seen the anonymous letter sent to Members of Parliament and then to police and has absolutely no idea what claims are made in it other than what has been reported in the media.”

Mr Porter vehemently denies the allegations and is not under investigation. He has not been charged.

At his press conference, he began by addressing the woman’s family.

“I only knew your daughter for the briefest periods at debating competitions when we were teenagers about 33 years ago. I was 17 years old and I think that she was 16 years old,” he said

“In losing that person, your daughter, you have suffered a terrible loss and you did not deserve the frenzied politicisation of the circumstances of your daughter’s death in the past week.

“But I hope that you will also understand that because what is being alleged did not happen – I must say so publicly.”

It comes as the family said they are supportive of “any inquiry” that will shed light on her death.

In a statement to news.com.au, lawyers acting for the woman’s family said they are open to either a coronial inquiry or an independent investigation into her rape claims, to be established by Parliament.

“The family of the deceased continue to experience considerable grief arising from their loss,’’ the statement said.

“They are supportive of any inquiry which could potentially shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s passing.

“They ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

New South Wales Police have released a statement on the historical rape allegation levelled at the Attorney-General confirming they were in contact with the woman on at least five occasions before she died.

The statement said the woman emailed NSW Police on June 23, 2020, “indicating she no longer felt able to proceed with reporting the matter, citing medical and personal reasons”.

“The woman very clearly articulated in that email that she did not want to proceed with the complaint,” it said.

“She also thanked investigators in this email. She was very grateful for the time and support the investigators provided to her.”

They were then informed by South Australia Police on June 25, 2020, the woman had taken her own life.

NSW Police said they only came into possession of a personal document apparently made by the woman, outlining the allegations, after her death.

With police unable to pursue the case following the woman’s death, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has rejected growing pressure to launch an independent probe into the matter.