No changes to Parliament House policy following Brittany Higgins’ alleged rape
More than two years after an alleged rape at Parliament House, there have been no changes to policy to help staff respond to serious incidents.
The revelation came out of Senate Estimates on Monday, after Labor Senator Katy Gallagher demanded to know how safety processes had been strengthened.
“Has anything changed to the way the Department [of Parliamentary Services] responds to incidents at APH since March 2019? And the answer is, there have been no changes to policy. Is that correct?”
“That is correct,” DPS Secretary Rob Stefanic told the committee.
“A young woman was allegedly raped in this building a couple of years ago and I am hearing from you guys there are no changes that need to happen?,” Senator Gallagher responded.
“To the way this building is managed? Or security is provided? Red flags are watched? You’re saying to me nothing needs to change?”
The alleged incident occurred after Friday night drinks in March 2019, when Brittany Higgins’ and the accused returned to the office late at night.
The Department of Parliamentary Services is responsible for granting access to Parliament House.
Asked if he was satisfied the department did all it could to provide a safe place for Ms Higgins, Mr Stefanic said there was always an opportunity to learn and make improvements.
In Question Time, the Prime Minister flagged future changes to better protect staff, including establishing an independent complaints process by the end of the year.
“I look forward to engaging with the Opposition on those matters, Mr Speaker, in the very near future,” Scott Morrison told Parliament.
