Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has made a formal police complaint over her alleged rape by a colleague at Parliament House. Ms Higgins revealed the sexual assault allegation last week and on Wednesday reinstated her complaint about the 2019 incident. Her coming forward led to three other women alleging they were assaulted by the same man. He was sacked as a ministerial adviser because of a security breach on the night of Ms Higgins' alleged rape. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has joined a growing list of people who say they knew about the incident before Scott Morrison. Mr Dutton confirmed Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw informed him about the alleged sexual assault on February 11, four days before the prime minister says he was told. Scott Morrison said his office first knew of the allegation on February 12 but staff took almost three days to notify him. Cabinet ministers Michaelia Cash and Linda Reynolds were also aware before the prime minister. Senator Reynolds, who employed Ms Higgins at the time of the alleged assault, is now on indefinite medical leave after advice from her cardiologist. She was admitted to Canberra Hospital hours before she was due to appear at the National Press Club. The minister has been under intense pressure about her handling of the issue and was forced to correct the record about how many times she met with police in April 2019. Ms Higgins is hopeful the "terrible situation" will lead to fundamental reform of the laws around employing staff and cultural change at Parliament House. "I genuinely hope Linda Reynolds is okay and wish her all the best with her recovery," she tweeted. The issue has dominated the parliamentary sitting fortnight with a slew of inquiries initiated to look at complaints processes and culture. Mr Morrison has rejected suggestions there is a "don't ask, don't tell" culture within the government. "I have been open about what is a very sensitive matter, a truly very sensitive and serious matter," he told parliament. He said a range of actions were being taken to address cultural issues in federal politics and ensuring staff had adequate support. Labor leader Anthony Albanese is set to continue pressuring the government about the prime minister's knowledge of the incident on Thursday. "The prime minister always thinks about politics and never accepts responsibility," he said. Australian Associated Press
Peter Dutton knew of a claim of rape in parliament before Scott Morrison.
Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has made a formal police complaint over her alleged rape by a colleague at Parliament House.
Ms Higgins revealed the sexual assault allegation last week and on Wednesday reinstated her complaint about the 2019 incident.
Her coming forward led to three other women alleging they were assaulted by the same man.
He was sacked as a ministerial adviser because of a security breach on the night of Ms Higgins' alleged rape.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has joined a growing list of people who say they knew about the incident before Scott Morrison.
Mr Dutton confirmed Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw informed him about the alleged sexual assault on February 11, four days before the prime minister says he was told.
Scott Morrison said his office first knew of the allegation on February 12 but staff took almost three days to notify him.
Cabinet ministers Michaelia Cash and Linda Reynolds were also aware before the prime minister.
Senator Reynolds, who employed Ms Higgins at the time of the alleged assault, is now on indefinite medical leave after advice from her cardiologist.
She was admitted to Canberra Hospital hours before she was due to appear at the National Press Club.
The minister has been under intense pressure about her handling of the issue and was forced to correct the record about how many times she met with police in April 2019.
Ms Higgins is hopeful the "terrible situation" will lead to fundamental reform of the laws around employing staff and cultural change at Parliament House.
"I genuinely hope Linda Reynolds is okay and wish her all the best with her recovery," she tweeted.
The issue has dominated the parliamentary sitting fortnight with a slew of inquiries initiated to look at complaints processes and culture.
Mr Morrison has rejected suggestions there is a "don't ask, don't tell" culture within the government.
"I have been open about what is a very sensitive matter, a truly very sensitive and serious matter," he told parliament.
He said a range of actions were being taken to address cultural issues in federal politics and ensuring staff had adequate support.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese is set to continue pressuring the government about the prime minister's knowledge of the incident on Thursday.
"The prime minister always thinks about politics and never accepts responsibility," he said.
Australian Associated Press
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