The lawyer for the woman at the centre of an historical rape allegation against a Federal Cabinet minister has called for an independent inquiry to investigate the matter.
It comes after NSW Police closed the investigation yesterday citing "insufficient admissible evidence".
The allegation dated back to 1988 when the woman involved was 16 and visiting Sydney.
The minister has denied the allegations.
READ MORE: PM says cabinet minister at the centre of historical rape allegations 'categorically denies' claims
The woman's lawyer Michael Bradley told Today an external and independent inquiry should be established to resolve the accusation.
"There needs to be an independent inquiry to look into this allegation and properly investigate it and come to a resolution," he said.
"That should be external and independent of the government and of the parliament, and I would think something like a judicial inquiry would be the most appropriate form."
The Cabinet minister is expected to address the allegations in front of media today.
The MP has "vigorously denied" the claims and is not expected to stand down.
When asked whether the minister should step down or aside if an inquiry is launched, Mr Bradley said: "I think it would be very difficult for him to continue with this hanging over his head."
"That's a question for him primarily and if he decides he wishes to continue, then it's a question for the prime minister, whether he is ok with a cabinet minister remaining in cabinet in these circumstances," he added.
"The question here is we have a cabinet minister with a very serious allegation against him and the issue is whether he can continue in his role."
The woman took her own life last June, with her friends now pushing for an independent investigation.
Mr Bradley said he hoped the cabinet minister would come forward to address the allegation.
"I hope he will directly address the allegation and we'll all hear what his position on that is," he said.
"I also hope that he or someone from the government at some point says something acknowledging the humanity of my client, which has sadly been absent so far.
"She was a person with a very tragic story and I would hope that everyone can keep centred the fact that there was a human at the bottom of all this."
The woman first attended Adelaide police station in November 2019 to seek advice about reporting her rape claim, NSW Police said.
However, she never made an official statement to NSW Police.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday he had spoken to the Cabinet minister who "categorically denied" the claims.
Mr Morrison said allegations made against a person of the parliament were not enough to stand someone down.
"We can't have a situation where the mere making of an allegation and that being publicised through the media is grounds for, you know, governments to stand people down simply on the basis of that," he said yesterday.
"I mean, we have a rule of law in this country and it's appropriate that these things were referred to the Federal Police. They have been."
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed it received a complaint in relation to the historical rape allegation on Sunday.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
from 9News https://ift.tt/3e3UfPG
via IFTTT
0 Comments