Police investigating Brittany Lauga complaint of being drugged and sexually assaulted

Queensland police are investigating a complaint by state Labor MP Brittany Lauga that she was drugged and sexually assaulted in late April.

Queensland Assistant Health Minister Brittany Lauga. Picture: Liam Kidston

Queensland police are investigating a complaint by state Labor MP Brittany Lauga that she was drugged and sexually assaulted in late April.

Ms Lauga, the Assistant Health Minister in the Miles government, has taken leave after going to police over an incident alleged to have occurred while she was on a night out with friends in Yeppoon, near Rockhampton.

Police are also understood to be investigating online dis­tribution of footage of the alleged incident.

Ms Lauga, the member for the central Queensland seat of Keppel, issued a statement on Saturday saying that shortly after the incident, she “went to the Yeppoon Police Station and Yeppoon Hospital after being drugged and sexually assaulted”.

“Tests at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in my body which I did not take. This substance impacted me significantly,” she said. “A police investigation is under way. I have been contacted by other women who may also have been drugged in Yeppoon on Saturday night.

“I need time to physically and emotionally heal after what has happened so I ask you respect my privacy as I get the support I need.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles issued a statement saying his “sole focus is on Brittany and her wellbeing”.

“I’ve told Brittany that we’re here to support her, whatever she needs,” he said.

Police said the matter was still being investigated. “The Queensland Police Service is investigating a sexual assault complaint relating to an incident in Yeppoon on Sunday, 28 April. 2024.

“While no additional reports have been made to local police, officers are aware of claims of similar incidents and ask anyone with information that may assist this investigation or (who has) experienced something similar to contact police.

“The QPS takes all reports of drink spiking seriously and investigates reports of drink spiking on a case-by-case basis, often in conjunction with other offences such as sexual assault.

“The QPS encourages anyone who believes they have had their drink spiked to formally report the matter to police as soon as possible. This ensures police can obtain all relevant evidence in a timely manner.”