Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe has alleged that she was sexually assaulted in Parliament House by a fellow senator.
Thorpe, a member of the Australian Greens, made the allegation in a tearful speech to the Senate on Thursday. She said that she was assaulted by a man who she has not named but who she said is a “powerful man” in the Liberal Party.
“I was cornered in a stairwell and sexually assaulted,” Thorpe said. “I was touched inappropriately, and I was made to feel like I was not safe.”
Thorpe said that she did not report the assault then because she was afraid of retaliation. She said she has come forward now because she wants to message other women that they are not alone.
“I am not going to be silenced,” Thorpe said. “I am not going to be intimidated. I am not going to be afraid.”
The Liberal Party has denied Thorpe’s allegations. Party leader Peter Dutton said he was “deeply concerned” by the allegations but could not comment further until an investigation had been completed.
The Australian Federal Police have said that they are investigating the allegations.
Thorpe’s allegations have reignited the debate about sexual harassment and assault in Parliament House. In 2019, former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleged that she was raped by a senior colleague in a ministerial office. The allegations led to other women coming forward with their stories of sexual harassment and assault.
The allegations have also raised questions about the culture of Parliament House. Some have argued that the culture of Parliament House is hostile to women, creating an environment where sexual harassment and assault are more likely to occur.
Thorpe’s allegations have also been met with support from many women in politics. Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard tweeted that she was “deeply saddened” by the allegations and that she stood with Thorpe.
“This is not acceptable,” Gillard tweeted. “We need to do better.”
Thorpe’s allegations are a serious matter, and they deserve to be taken seriously. The Australian Federal Police should conduct a thorough investigation, and anyone found to have committed a crime should be held accountable.
