How rape allegations among Australia’s political elite reignited its #MeToo movement
When Australia’s attorney general last week outed himself as the minister accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in 1988, his denial was emphatic.
“The things that I have read did not happen, and to suggest that they could be forgotten is ridiculous,” said Christian Porter, who oversees legal affairs and national security, before starting a period of mental health leave.
For Prime Minister Scott Morrison, that was the end of the matter.
The alleged victim didn’t file a police statement before she died, age 49, last year. After police closed the case last week, citing a lack of “admissible evidence,” Morrison refused to order an independent inquiry into the allegations, which emerged after statements by the alleged victim were anonymously sent to the Prime Minister’s office and two female politicians from other parties.
Defence minister Linda Reynolds extended her medical leave beyond March 8
Ms Reynolds was taken to hospital for pre-exisiting heart condition February 24
She was advised by her doctor to take extra time off because of medication
Ms Reynolds came under fire after referring to Brittany Higgins as a lying cow
Brittany Higgins has alleged she was raped by a senior colleague in 2019
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds position now untenable abc.net.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc.net.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.