A month-long media pile-on over allegations of sexual assault and the toxic culture of Parliament House and politicians has reduced two cabinet ministers to trembling, tearful wrecks forced on to sick leave.
An unparalleled politicisation and weaponisation of sometimes anonymous allegations of sexual assault and rape have formalised trial by media and sidelined the rules of journalism and the law.
Christian Porter’s obvious, and self-proclaimed mental instability and forced sick leave for two weeks to seek professional psychological help, after days of anonymous calumny, is a low point in Australian politics and media behaviour.
It is completely different treatment to that handed out to then opposition leader Bill Shorten, who likewise faced a historical rape claim that was not prosecuted, and was not subjected to calls for him to step aside, resign or face an inquiry outside criminal law.
He was supported by his Labor colleagues and not criticised by his Liberal opponents.
Indeed, when an attempt was made to revive the allegations during the 2019 election campaign when Shorten was not just the alternative prime minister but the presumptive prime minister, it was very ignored and his colleagues were mute.
As the Attorney-General said on Wednesday as he revealed he was the cabinet minister facing the case of rape allegations that NSW police closed, if he can be thrown out of his job, mentally degraded and face demands he quit, what justice can there be for those outside the powerful Canberra bubble.
People outside parliament, bamboozled by the waves of allegations, can only think what would happen to them if they faced an allegation that becomes social media fodder and cut adrift from the system of justice.
For the Morrison government, the collateral damage from this month of misery for all concerned has raised serious questions about the ministerial future of Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Porter’s ability to return fully.
Given the weight of the impact has fallen on the Morrison government, inconsistent with previous experience, it is difficult not to see the campaign as politically motivated for vengeance and chaos.
As Scott Morrison focuses on the COVID-19 recovery that is well under way, this sort of bizarre campaign provides the only way for his opponents to attract attention. Yet there is still a sense the Canberra bubble stories will not draw new support to Labor — or help the victims of assault.
More Coverage
Cancer warning labels on wine? Put a cork in it
If health authorities insist on labelling wine with a cancer warning, they owe the public a nuanced explanation.
Our taxes unfit for 21st-century world
Real reform takes courage but the rewards from far greater business investment, job creation, supporting personal aspiration, economic dynamism and greater productivity are enormous.