Politicians from all sides of federal parliament are demanding concrete action to eradicate toxic behaviour on Capital Hill and better protect women.
The leaking of Brittany Higgins’ text messages and claims of inappropriate behaviour by Liberal senator David Van in relation to at least three women – including independent senator Lidia Thorpe – has reignited debate over parliament’s culture.
Liberal MP Bridget Archer said the issues had been highly politicised.
“If you’re observing the behaviour and commentary that’s been going on in parliament in the last couple of weeks, and the commentary in the media … you would be disinclined to come forward and say that you had experienced sexual assault,” she told ABC Radio on Friday.
“Because it’s really as Senator Thorpe said – it’s really toxic.”
Independent MP Helen Haines said it was appropriate for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to stand Senator Van aside from the Liberal party room.
“If one woman doesn’t feel safe in our parliament, then no woman (does),” she said.
But the Victorian MP said there was still “quite a way to go” following the landmark review of parliamentary culture by former sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins.
Senator Van has denied acting inappropriately towards Senator Thorpe or former Liberal senator Amanda Stoker, who also publicly aired allegations against him.
Greens senator Larissa Waters said it was likely the week’s debate would have a chilling effect on women coming forward with further claims.
Senator Waters said reforms had taken a huge step backwards over the week.
“We need to make sure when women come forward they’re supported,” she told ABC TV.
“It feels like we’re back to square one and it breaks my heart … and I just hope that we can continue with the reforms that we’ve started to make with the Set the Standard (Jenkins) report and hope we can have a safer workplace going forwards.”
A Parliamentary Workplace Support Service has been set up to support people affected by serious incidents or misconduct.
Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley said the service was doing outstanding work, but there was room for improvement.
“It is always difficult to step up and talk about things that have happened and workplaces do have to improve,” she told Seven’s Sunrise program.
Senator Van has agreed to cooperate with any processes put in place by Mr Dutton to determine the matters “as quickly and fairly as possible”.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
– AAP
