Question Time

Liberal Party, Sexual Assault Allegations

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:04): My question is to the Premier. What action has the Premier now taken regarding the allegations of sexual assault made by Ms Chelsey Potter?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:04): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for making the inquiry but, as he might appreciate, in relation to any allegations made by anyone in the workplace of which they might have been the subject of bullying, harassment, assault or the like, it is ultimately a matter for them. What I think is very important for all of us as representative leaders in the community is to ensure that, when matters do come to our attention for the purposes of seeking advice as to what action someone takes, they do that diligently.

As I indicated yesterday, should anybody in this house be in a position where they are asked to give some advice or referral, and they are in any way concerned about that, that they do refer that matter to our office. I am more than happy to provide support and advice in relation to that to ensure that the parliament and members of parliament also ensure that they are providing that service and support to members in the workplace.

In this instance, there have been allegations made in respect of the workplace in the Australian government sector by at least one South Australian, and so it is a matter which we take seriously. We haven't been approached to provide that support, but I can tell you that I have made an approach to Ms Potter and offered to provide support should she wish to take that up. We have had some communication. I think still that these matters are always in the realm of, ultimately, the person who is aggrieved by conduct of which they have been treated or alleged to have been treated. It is their decision. We can do the best we can to assist in that regard, but it is a matter we need to ensure that we respect.

The media reports in relation to this issue, generally, raised the general question of there needing to be some, I suppose, formalisation of how we might deal with this to ensure that all women in the political environment—whether they be a candidate or a person who is working in that environment—are not the subject of this. We also have myriad other provisions for protection in that regard outside of political parties but within the realms, for example, of the Equal Opportunity Commission.

I think we have it incumbent upon all of us to ensure that we repeat and maintain a position that bullying and conduct that have been referred to such as this, particularly assaults, are not tolerated. I think it is fair to say that there has been a universal condemnation of that in any workplace, and this government is no exception.