A Queensland MP who recently alleged she was drugged and sexually assaulted has confirmed she will run in the state election despite an “indescribably tough” few weeks.
In an interview with Guardian Australia, Brittany Lauga said she would “be back stronger than ever” to contest the October election as Labor’s candidate for Keppel a fourth time.
“To say the last few weeks have been tough is an understatement. Indescribably tough,” she said.
“I got into politics because I want to stand up for our region, to stand up for workers, to stand up for better services and a bright future for our kids.
“And I’ve done that every single day since I was elected. But I still have unfinished business and I won’t be hanging up the boots until my work is done.”
Lauga, a former town planner who was first elected in 2015, has been on leave since she went public with allegations of drink spiking and sexual assault during a night out in Yeppoon on 28 April.
A video of the alleged incident quickly circulated on social media. Guardian Australia has not seen the video and is aware a police investigation is under way.
Last week Lauga confirmed Queensland parliamentary services had closed her electorate office in Yeppoon after “several offensive and threatening safety concerns” from members of the public.
While Lauga is on leave, her staff are working remotely with constituents as the safety risk is assessed each week.
By sharing her story, Lauga has become one of Australia’s highest profile cases of alleged drink spiking. The MP – who is also Queensland’s assistant health minister – says she doesn’t believe the problem is as rare as people think.
Lauga says she’s received messages from women and men in Yeppoon and right across Australia who’ve experienced drink spiking. And their experiences aren’t limited to bars or nightclubs – she’s heard from people who have been spiked at a friend’s barbecue and even in their own home.
“Victims tell me that they are engulfed by shame and think that they won’t be believed. We need to be vigilant with our safety but we also shouldn’t have to put up with this rot,” she said.
“I believe everyone deserves to be able to have a night out and be safe.”
Drink spiking is a criminal offence across Australia but it is under-researched and underreported. The Australian government last reviewed the issue in 2004 and there’s been little action taken since.
Lauga says it’s important for victims to have “a safe and compassionate” way to report instances of drink spiking.
“Most people don’t know that alcohol is the most common drug used in drink spiking,” she said.
“I would like to hear more from victims, licensed premises, police, sexual assault services and others in the community about ways we can improve safety and reduce the prevalence of drink spiking.”
Despite a challenging few weeks, Lauga is determined to make a steady return to work.
“I truly believe what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to the contest of ideas and debate about our region’s future in a respectful way during the election period.”
“I’m passionate about delivering the $10.37m renal dialysis unit at the Capricorn Coast hospital, the $100m upgrade of Yeppoon-Rockhampton Road, better … facilities at our local schools and of course hiring more teachers, doctors, nurses [and] healthcare professionals.”
Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
