Sydney Police Investigate Sexual Assault Allegations by Queensland MP
In a shocking turn of events, police in Australia have launched an investigation following a complaint by Queensland MP Brittany Lauga that she was drugged and sexually assaulted.
The assistant minister for health recounted being attacked on a night out in her constituency of Yeppoon, stating, “This could have happened to anyone and tragically, it does happen to many of us.”
The incident comes amidst a backdrop of protests in response to recent violence against women, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Lauga, 37, wasted no time in reporting the incident, heading to a police station and then to a hospital on April 28 for examination and treatment.
“Tests at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in my body which I did not take,” she shared in a statement posted on social media, revealing the significant impact the substance had on her.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) has confirmed that officers are actively investigating a sexual assault complaint related to an incident in Yeppoon on Sunday.
Reports emerged that Lauga had been contacted by other women who claimed they were also drugged on the same evening, raising concerns about safety in the community.
“It’s not OK. We should be able to enjoy socializing in our town without the risk of being drugged or assaulted,” Lauga emphasized, underscoring the need for a safer environment.
While no additional reports have been made in the same area, police are urging anyone with information or similar experiences to come forward and assist in the investigation.
“The QPS takes all reports of drink spiking seriously and investigates them on a case-by-case basis, often in conjunction with other offenses such as sexual assault,” they stated.
Lauga, a seasoned parliamentarian, has been a member of the Queensland parliament since 2015, representing the seat of Keppel with dedication.
Reacting to the allegations, Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon described them as “shocking” and “horrifying,” echoing the sentiments of many in the community.
“It is unacceptable that women are disproportionately the victims of domestic, family, and sexual violence. Our government is committed to protecting women and preventing violence,” Scanlon affirmed.
Australia has been grappling with a surge in gender-based violence, exemplified by a recent stabbing incident in a Sydney shopping center where five out of six victims were women.
A series of rallies have been held in response to these tragic events, demanding that gender-based violence be declared a national emergency and advocating for stricter laws to combat it.
So far this year, a woman has been killed on average every four days in the country, underscoring the urgent need for action and reform. — BBC
