The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has sent MPs a stern warning about the consequences of failing to report allegations of sexual assault in the wake of Brittany Higgins' bombshell claims.
Commissioner Reece Kershaw yesterday sent a letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlining in stark terms the need for immediate referral to the AFP – taking into account the rights and privacy of the victim.
"I cannot state strongly enough the importance of timely referrals of allegations of criminal conduct," he wrote.
READ MORE: Brittany Higgins makes formal statement to police
"Any delay in reporting criminal conduct can result in the loss of key evidence, continuation of the offending and/or reoffending by the alleged perpetrator."
He said any delay could lead to the "real risk" of "perverting or defeating the course of justice".
Ms Higgins, a former staffer for Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, has claimed she was raped in the senator's Parliament House office by a former male colleague in March 2019.
READ MORE: Peter Dutton knew about Higgins rape claims before PM
Since Ms Higgins came forward earlier this month, two other women have alleged the same man, who was removed from his position over a "security breach", also assaulted them.
Ms Reynolds, who this week sought hospital treatment for a health matter, has said she urged Ms Higgins to go to the police when she was made aware of the matter.
Ms Higgins met with police in 2019 but chose not to pursue a formal investigation then.
Yesterday, she made a statement to AFP, asking them to reopen the investigation.
Several high-profile government members, including Ms Reynolds, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Senator Michaelia Cash, had been made aware of the alleged incident before Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Earlier today Mr Dutton said he deemed it inappropriate to report the matter to the PM's office after he was briefed by the AFP.
Mr Morrison passed the AFP Commissioner's letter on for distribution to all MPs and Senators, urging them to take heed.
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