Liberal Party, Sexual Assault Allegations

Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:35): My question is to the Attorney-General. Should young women like Chelsey Potter have any reason to feel that their Liberal Party careers would be ruined if they raised allegations of sexual assault with senior members of the South Australian Liberal Party?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:35): I hope that I have made it clear from the previous statements I have made that no-one in any workplace, including in a political environment—whether it is in this parliament, electorate offices, political party headquarters, undertaking volunteer work, anywhere—should be in any different circumstance to any other person in a workplace. They must not be the subject of sexual harassment or abuse or assault or worse still, either as one-off or repeated. I make that point very clearly. I think that sort of behaviour should be condemned. Some of it is unlawful.

Anyone who has read even the South Australian Equal Opportunity Commission's annual report will see that over the last few years there are an increasing number of cases of reporting of sexual harassment in the workplace, for example. These are things that, coming into the new government, I have taken a renewed interest in, especially as I am now responsible for that office.

It is important not only that we address the individual cases when they are brought to our attention but also that we fairly treat, respectfully, those who raise concerns. To date, there are two current profiles in the Australian media, and I have explained the invitation that has been given to one of them to provide assistance or advice or support. I will provide that support if that is pursued, and I will continue to be available to provide advice or support to anyone who is exposed to a circumstance where they are aggrieved at how they have been treated in their workplace.