Furious female Labor staffers have warned MPs and male staffers accused of sexually harassing them at Parliament House that they will no longer keep their secrets . On the eve of mass marches around Australia to demand justice over rape, sexual harassment and toxic workplaces, their angry call has also been backed by former Labor leader Jenny Macklin who has told the women that the anonymous allegations they have raised are unacceptable and cannot continue within the ALP. The women have outlined shocking allegations - including sex without proper consent with intoxicated women, power imbalances and forced kisses - in a private Facebook group for current and former Labor staffers.
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All past and present staff who have worked in Parliament House have been emailed a new 24-hour confidential counselling helpline to discuss sexual assault or harassment.
The Department of Finance sent the message to thousands of political staffers and advisers on Tuesday, a day before Attorney-General Christian Porter vehemently denied he had raped a 16-year-old debater in January 1988 when he was 17.
The group email, obtained by Daily Mail Australia, was also sent out a fortnight after Brittany Higgins, a former assistant media adviser to then defence industry minister Linda Reynolds, went public to allege a male work colleague had raped her in her Parliament House, Canberra workplace weeks before the May 2019 election.
Support Line now available for parliamentary staff 03/03/2021|1min
An independent and confidential 24/7 phone service is now available to parliamentary staff in accordance with an interim recommendation made by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Deputy Secretary Stephanie Foster.
Ms Foster is leading an inquiry into the complaints handling process within Parliament in the wake of Brittany Higgins rape allegations.
The phone service will be staffed by professionals who will be able to provide support or referrals to police and other specialist services.
The Parliamentary Support Line, available on 1800 274 778, is open to current and former ministerial, parliamentary and electorate office staff.