Minister accused of assault

POLICE have been told of an anonymous letter sent to Scott Morrison detailing historic sexual assault allegations against a minister in his government.

The letter was also sent to Labor Senator Penny Wong and Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young this week. On Friday night, Senator Wong said it included an attachment which “appears to be a statement prepared by the complainant” about an “allegation of rape”.

She said: “It is my hope that appropriate action is taken to examine the allegation.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the letter contained “a disturbing and a very serious allegation of a criminal nature against a senior member of the government”.

In a statement, Senator Wong said she believed the complainant — who died in South Australia last year — had reported the claim to police in NSW and South Australia.

It is understood Senator Wong first became aware of the claim when she ran into the complainant in November 2019. She facilitated the complainant’s referral to rape support services and confirmed she was being supported to report the matter to NSW Police.

After the complainant died, Senator Wong contacted SA police to offer her assistance.

She said she had “forwarded the letter to NSW Police Force, South Australia Police and the Australian Federal Police to assist in any investigations which may be under way”.

“Any complaints or allegations of this nature made to anybody, whether they’re parliamentarians or journalists, should be referred to the AFP,” a spokesman for the PM said.

SA Police said: “It is a matter for the Coroner and SA Police will not be making any further comment at this time.”