Finance Minister Simon Birmingham, who worked with the Opposition and crossbench to set up the inquiry, said it was long overdue for Parliament House's treatment of women to change.
Australia has expressed frustration at Italy's decision to block a shipment of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine from entering the country. However, the country stressed it would not affect the rollout of its inoculation program. Italy, supported by the European Commission, stopped the planned export of around 250,000 doses of the jab after the drug manufacturer did not meet contract commitments. Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australia had already.
Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie says the allegations of rape surrounding federal politics over the last couple of weeks have had “flow on effects” to everyone who works in Parliament.
Her comments come after Finance Minister Simon Birmingham announced the establishment of a review into the parliamentary workplace – to be led by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins.
“Kate is eminently qualified to perform that role,” Ms McKenzie told Sky News host Chris Kenny.
“I do want to let your viewers know that this isn’t a commonplace occurrence in our workplace.
“We all – irrespective of what side of politics you work on – want people to be able to come to work and feel safe in this environment.”
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has apologised for calling alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins a lying cow .
Senator Reynolds made the tasteless comments in her office area within earshot of several staff members and public servants on February 15.
It was the same day Miss Higgins went public with allegations a senior colleague raped her in Senator Reynolds Parliament House office after a night out in March, 2019.
Miss Higgins threatened to sue over the hurtful comment on Thursday unless the minister, who is on stress leave, apologised.
Senator Reynolds released a statement on Friday saying she was deeply sorry . In response to a letter from Ms Higgins lawyers yesterday afternoon, discussions are now underway through our legal representatives in an effort to resolve this matter as soon as possible, with any resolution to include an apology.