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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has offered a personal apology and announced a ‘review of workplace culture in the wake of allegations that a young Liberal Party staff member was sexually assaulted by a colleague in Parliament House.
But the PM has been criticised for comments which some say suggest a lack of insight into the nature of sexual assault, and even go so far as to ‘victim blame .
Former staff member Brittany Higgins spoke publicly this week of the alleged sexual assault, which she says too place when she was 24 years old and just four weeks into her job working for Federal Minister Linda Reynolds.
More than one year after the disability royal commission was established, advocates say there are still key problems stopping people with disability from coming forward to give evidence.
Australian Attorney-General Pans Critics of Family Court Merger
Attorney-General Christian Porter has panned critics of the impending Family Court merger, saying those opposing the move have a “vested interest” in maintaining the status quo.
The Family Court’s merger with the Federal Court of Australia has received the Senate’s final tick of approval with support from crossbenchers Independent Senator Rex Patrick and One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson.
The radical move brings the Family Court of Australia under the umbrella of a new entity called the Federal Circuit and Family Court (FCFC).
The FCFC will retain two divisions, with the first division being a continuation of the Family Court and the second division being the Federal Court. Families will only need to go through a single entry point, whereas previously, they could be bounced between the courts.
Stephanie Foster, deputy secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, will examine the formal links between the Department of Finance and parliamentary offices, including the possibility of establishing a mandatory reporting system for serious incidents. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins is providing advice to Foster.
In addition, Finance Minister Simon Birmingham will consult with leaders from other parties and crossbenchers on who should lead an independent review of how Parliament deals with workplace complaints, and that review’s parameters.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has suggested former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick or domestic violence and equality campaigner Natasha Stott Despoja head the review.