Rape claims pose ‘test’ for Prime Minister: Albanese

THERE are calls for an inquest into the historical rape claims against a Morrison government minister, as correspondence surfaces that the alleged victim hoped for a prosecution despite fearing an “emotional bloodbath”.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said it was a “test” for Scott Morrison and he had to satisfy himself on whether the minister should remain in his job, while Health Minister Greg Hunt said it was appropriate for police to conduct investigations.

It follows an anonymous letter sent to the Prime Minister’s office, as well as to those of senators Penny Wong and Sarah Hanson-Young, detailing rape allegations dating back to 1988.

NSW police confirmed they had begun an investigation into the matter in February last year, but it was discontinued after the complainant committed suicide in June 2020.

News.com.au published excerpts of correspondence from the woman in which she said she hoped for prosecution, but expected it would be a long way off and up to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“I guess I just worry, a trial (if one occurs) has the potential to be an emotional bloodbath, particularly for me and anyone who appears as a witness in the case,” she said in correspondence provided to News.com.au.

Ex-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said he received correspondence from the woman in December 2019, at which point he advised her to go to police. “I don’t know whether there will be an inquest or not.

I think frankly be,” he said.

Mr Albanese said the allegations were a “test” for the Prime Minister, who had to decide if it was appropriate for the minister at the centre of the untested allegations to remain in his position.

“Firstly, it is appropriate they be investigated by the authorities, but this now will be very much a dark cloud over the parliament,” he told the ABC on Sunday. “I don’t seek to politicise this issue. What I say is that the Prime Minister must satisfy himself that the current circumpolice. there should stances are appropriate.”

Mr Hunt said AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw had made it “very clear” last week, in a letter setting out advice to the Prime Minister and all MPs, that serious allegations such as these were a matter for “He indicated that the police always have been, currently are and always will be, the appropriate body to investigate matters of alleged criminality,” Mr Hunt said.

“I’d hope everybody in public life heard the police commissioner, respects the views of the commissioner of the Australian Federal Police … about the appropriateness of ensuring it is the police that conduct investigations. The very strong advice of the police commissioner (was) that commentary upon such investigations is not an appropriate pathway.”

I JUST WORRY, A TRIAL (IF ONE OCCURS) HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE AN EMOTIONAL BLOODBATH, PARTICULARLY FOR ME

LETTER FROM COMPLAINANT