Promises To Investigate Rape Case In Parliament, Australian Prime Minister Apologizes To Victim

PM Australia Scott Morrison. (Wikepedia Commons/Australian Embassy Jakarta)

JAKARTA - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison apologized to a woman who was a victim of rape at the parliament building. The woman said she had been raped in the office of Defense Minister Linda Reynolds in March 2019 by someone who also worked for PM Morisson's party Liberal.

"That should not have happened, I am really sorry. I want to make sure every young woman who works in this place is as safe as possible," she said in Canberra, Australia, Tuesday, February 16 as reported by Reuters.

PM Morisson said he had ordered his subordinate departments as well as cabinet official Stephanie Foster to review the complaints handling process in the workplace. As well, Backbench lawmakers to investigate workplace culture.

The rape allegation has increased pressure on Prime Minister Morrison after a series of allegations of inappropriate behavior against women within the Liberal Party.

It is known that the woman had complained about this to the police in early April 2019. However, she decided not to file a formal complaint, because she was worried about her career. The police have also confirmed that they have spoken with the woman.

The woman said she alerted senior staff at Defense Secretary Linda Reynolds' office about the alleged attack. He said he was later asked to attend a meeting at the office where he was attacked.

Reynolds confirmed Monday that he had been informed of the complaint last year. But he denied the woman was pressured not to make a police complaint.