Brittany Higgins says she will proceed with a formal police complaint about her alleged rape sbs.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sbs.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The prime minister has been accused of victim-blaming and senior ministers are also under fire for their handling of an alleged sexual assault in Parliament House.
Brittany Higgins has hit out at the federal government amid claims it there is an unofficial government briefing against her. Ms Higgins, a former Liberal staffer who recently alleged she was raped at parliament house, spoke out after Network Ten political editor Peter van Onselen made the startling claim this morning. Mr van Onselen alleged that the prime minister s office was backgrounding journalists to smear her partner, a former public servant, saying he has a gripe against the government. Ms Higgins told Guardian Australia that going public with her story would have consequences. I knew personally that when I decided to put my name and face to this there would be repercussions for me, Ms Higgins told Guardian Australia. But I think it s unfair if they are starting to try and take this out on loved ones .
Parliament plays catch-up with the rest of society
The core cultural failing is that political management is wired into the place. Will it change now?
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Just over two decades ago, federal parliament was reeling following the suicide of a young Labor MP, Greg Wilton.
He took his life in June 2000 after the breakdown of his marriage and subsequent media coverage of his depressive condition, his likely resignation and who would win his seat in a byelection.
Wake up call: Brittany Higgins (left) felt she had to choose between going to the police and keeping her job.Â
Alex Ellinghausen