2021-02-19
The Prime Minister has asked his former chief of staff, now head of his own department, to investigate what Prime Minister’s office knew about an alleged rape of a government staffer, which The Greens say is just perpetuating the cover up.
“Every day, more damning information comes out about the involvement of the Prime Minister’s Office. We need to get to the bottom of it." said Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson for women.
“Announcing yet another internal review is delaying tactic by a Prime Minister more interested in protecting himself and his office than telling the truth and ensuring that all women who work in politics are safe.
“The last time Mr Gaetjens reviewed conduct in the PMO, his findings were kept secret by dubious cabinet-in-confidence claims. The PM has given no assurance that this review will be any different.
“We need a comprehensive, independent review with public findings and recommendations that all side of politics and the public can have trust in.
“On Monday I’ll move a motion to establish an independent inquiry to find out who knew what, when, and what they did about it. We owe it to survivors to make sure no one has to go through Brittany Higgins’ experience again."