Labor MP accused of historical rape in new email
Sarah Henderson has referred a complaint about historical sex allegations relating to a Labor frontbencher to the AFP.
Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson has referred a complaint she received about historical sexual allegations relating to a Labor frontbencher to the Australian Federal Police.
In a statement last night, Senator Henderson said: “Late this afternoon, I forwarded to the Australian Federal Police an email I received from a woman alleging she had been raped by a man who is now a Federal Labor Member of Parliament.
“I make this statement in the interests of full transparency”.
The Australian understands the matter relates to allegations which had previously been investigated by Victoria Police, who finalised their inquiries without charge.
The AFP has subsequently confirmed receipt of an allegation “relating to a historic sexual assault”, but added no further comment.
Asked to respond to Senator Henderson’s statement, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese’s office said it had not received the email.
The Weekend Australian reported on Saturday that the complaint had also been received by the office of Labor’s education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek.
“I take any allegation of assault very seriously ... I understand that you have brought your allegation to Victorian police in 2013, and that they have investigated it and decided not to proceed,” Ms Plibersek replied, according to Sky News.
“If you believe your complaint has been mishandled and the relevant avenues have not been pursued I’d encourage you to contact the Victorian police conduct unit.”
Sky News also reports the letter relating to the alleged incident in 1986 was also send to Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.
Earlier in the week AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison emphasising that all allegations of sexual assault should be reported to federal police immediately.
While warning against making allegations public, Mr Kershaw said ministers and senators, as well as their parliamentary staff “may receive complaints or allegations of sexual assault from a variety of sources, including victims themselves”.
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