Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe heckles King Charles at Australian parliament&nbsp;

Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe shouted anti-colonial slogans at King Charles during his visit to the Australian parliament on Monday, shocking assembled lawmakers and other dignitaries.

"Give us our land back! Give us what you stole from us!" Thorpe screamed in an almost minute-long diatribe, after the 75-year-old king's speech.

"This is not your land, you are not my king," the independent lawmaker said, decrying what she described as a "genocide" of Indigenous Australians by European settlers.

Australia was a British colony for more than 100 years, during which time thousands of Aboriginal Australians were killed and entire communities displaced.

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The country gained de facto independence in 1901, but has never become a fully fledged republic. King Charles is the current head of state.

Charles is on a nine-day jaunt through Australia and Samoa, the first major foreign tour since his life-changing cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Thorpe is known for her attention-grabbing political stunts and fierce opposition to the monarchy.

When she was sworn into office in 2022, Thorpe raised her right fist as she begrudgingly swore to serve Queen Elisabeth II, who was then Australia's head of state.

"I sovereign, Lidia Thorpe, do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will be faithful and I bear true allegiance to the colonising Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," she said before being rebuked by a Senate official.

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"Senator Thorpe, Senator Thorpe, you are required to recite the oath as printed on the card," said the chamber's president Sue Lines.

In 1999, Australians narrowly voted against removing the queen, amid a row over whether her replacement would be chosen by members of parliament, not the public.

In 2023 Australians overwhelmingly rejected measures to recognise Indigenous Australians in the constitution and to create an Indigenous consultative assembly.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe heckles King Charles at Australian parliament Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe shouted anti-colonial slogans at King Charles during his visit to the Australian parliament on Monday, shocking assembled lawmakers and other dignitaries.

Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe heckles King Charles at Australian parliament Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe shouted anti-colonial slogans at King Charles during his visit to the Australian parliament on Monday, shocking assembled lawmakers and other dignitaries. "Give us our land back! Give us what you stole from us!" Thorpe screamed in an almost minute-long diatribe, after the 75-year-old king's speech. "This is not your land, you are not my king," the independent lawmaker said, decrying what she described as a "genocide" of Indigenous Australians by European settlers. Australia was a British colony for more than 100 years, during which time thousands of Aboriginal Australians were killed and entire communities displaced. Also Read | Chinese Navy ships docked in Bangladesh this weekend. Should India worry? The country gained de facto independence in 1901, but has never become a fully fledged republic. King Charles is the current head of state. Charles is on a nine-day jaunt through Australia and Samoa, the first major foreign tour since his life-changing cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Thorpe is known for her attention-grabbing political stunts and fierce opposition to the monarchy. When she was sworn into office in 2022, Thorpe raised her right fist as she begrudgingly swore to serve Queen Elisabeth II, who was then Australia's head of state. "I sovereign, Lidia Thorpe, do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will be faithful and I bear true allegiance to the colonising Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," she said before being rebuked by a Senate official. Also Read | Musk says college education ‘overrated’, success doesn’t need four-year degree "Senator Thorpe, Senator Thorpe, you are required to recite the oath as printed on the card," said the chamber's president Sue Lines. In 1999, Australians narrowly voted against removing the queen, amid a row over whether her replacement would be chosen by members of parliament, not the public. In 2023 Australians overwhelmingly rejected measures to recognise Indigenous Australians in the constitution and to create an Indigenous consultative assembly. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

King Charles heckled by Indigenous senator at Australian parliament

In a significant development in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-court-begins-trial-of-former-staffer-bruce-lehrmann-accused-of-sexual-assault-in-parliament-house-522340">years-long case</a> which has rocked Australian politics, where&nbsp;former government staffer Bruce Lehrmann was accused of rape by his colleague, and&nbsp;had sought to clear his name by suing one of the country’s largest television networks for defamation, was found guilty of the crime, on Monday (Apr 15).&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in court?</h2>

The verdict on Monday brings an end to the complex case involving government ministers, media personalities and political staff in several complicated legal and civil battles, which has captivated Australians and people worldwide since 2021.&nbsp;

On Monday, Justice Michael Lee declared he was satisfied, on the balance of probabilities that Lehrmann raped his then-colleague Brittany Higgins in 2019.&nbsp;

“Mr Lehrmann raped Miss Higgins” and told “deliberate lies,” Lee said at the end of the lengthy ruling which took place in a Federal Court in Sydney.&nbsp;

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The verdict stems from Higgins’ allegations in 2021, who said that she was raped by a colleague in an exclusive television interview with Network Ten’s “The Project” programme, where she detailed how Lehrmann raped her inside Parliament House after a night of drinking in 2019.

This led to a criminal trial a year later where Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent and denied that any sexual activity occurred.&nbsp;

However, the 2022 criminal trial was aborted due to one juror's misconduct, in December of that year. The prosecutors later dropped the charges against Lehrmann saying that a retrial would pose a risk to Higgins’ mental health.&nbsp;

Lee also noted how Lehrmann had escaped without any charges but went on to sue the network for defamation, a move which backfired and has now led to him being labelled a rapist.

“Having escaped the lion’s den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat,” said the judge.&nbsp;

Lee found that the two had sex that night, but since Higgins was so inebriated she could not have possibly given her consent, and that Lehrmann did not seek to obtain it.&nbsp;

The judge also considered it “more likely than not in those early hours, after a long night of conviviality and drinking and having successfully brought Ms Higgins back to a secluded place, Mr Lehrmann was hellbent on having sex” with Higgins and was “indifferent” to whether she wanted to as well.

Therefore, Lee ruled in favour of the Australian network. Notably, the standard of proof in defamation cases is lower than in criminal proceedings as judges are required to make findings about the case only on the balance of probabilities, rather than the “beyond reasonable doubt”.

However, he was also critical of the media outlet saying that the rape allegations were intertwined with the cover-up and the program’s team had “strong indications of the unreliability of their main source”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Omnishambles’</h2>

Lee found that accusations of Higgins’ bosses in the Liberal Party had tried to cover up the allegations or pressure her was “objectively short on facts, but long on speculation”. Overall, the judge said, the case has been an “omnishambles”.&nbsp;

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He also criticised the network for its approach to seeking a comment from Lehrmann saying there were better ways to get in touch with him. “He was not living the life of a hermit,” said Lee.

After the ruling, Lehrmann left the court and did not make any comment to the reporters standing outside.&nbsp;

Higgins’ claims were dramatically reported on by the network, during which she had not named Lehrmann. However, he accused the show’s presenter Lisa Wilkinson of damaging his reputation after she provided enough information during the programme to know it was him.&nbsp;

Lee after examining notes, texts, social media messages, emails, hours of audio and CCTV footage of the night in question.&nbsp;

The judge found that he was a “far surer guide” about what happened that night than the testimonies of either Lehrmann or Higgins calling her also an “unsatisfactory witness”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In a significant development in the years-long case which has rocked Australian politics, where former government staffer Bruce Lehrmann was accused of rape by his colleague, and had sought to clear his name by suing one of the country’s largest television networks for defamation, was found guilty of the crime, on Monday (Apr 15).

In a significant development in the years-long case which has rocked Australian politics, where former government staffer Bruce Lehrmann was accused of rape by his colleague, and had sought to clear his name by suing one of the country’s largest television networks for defamation, was found guilty of the crime, on Monday (Apr 15). What happened in court? The verdict on Monday brings an end to the complex case involving government ministers, media personalities and political staff in several complicated legal and civil battles, which has captivated Australians and people worldwide since 2021. On Monday, Justice Michael Lee declared he was satisfied, on the balance of probabilities that Lehrmann raped his then-colleague Brittany Higgins in 2019. “Mr Lehrmann raped Miss Higgins” and told “deliberate lies,” Lee said at the end of the lengthy ruling which took place in a Federal Court in Sydney. Also Read | Iran to allow Indian govt representatives to meet 17 citizens onboard seized cargo ship The verdict stems from Higgins’ allegations in 2021, who said that she was raped by a colleague in an exclusive television interview with Network Ten’s “The Project” programme, where she detailed how Lehrmann raped her inside Parliament House after a night of drinking in 2019. This led to a criminal trial a year later where Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent and denied that any sexual activity occurred. However, the 2022 criminal trial was aborted due to one juror's misconduct, in December of that year. The prosecutors later dropped the charges against Lehrmann saying that a retrial would pose a risk to Higgins’ mental health. Lee also noted how Lehrmann had escaped without any charges but went on to sue the network for defamation, a move which backfired and has now led to him being labelled a rapist. “Having escaped the lion’s den, Mr Lehrmann made the mistake of going back for his hat,” said the judge. Lee found that the two had sex that night, but since Higgins was so inebriated she could not have possibly given her consent, and that Lehrmann did not seek to obtain it. The judge also considered it “more likely than not in those early hours, after a long night of conviviality and drinking and having successfully brought Ms Higgins back to a secluded place, Mr Lehrmann was hellbent on having sex” with Higgins and was “indifferent” to whether she wanted to as well. Therefore, Lee ruled in favour of the Australian network. Notably, the standard of proof in defamation cases is lower than in criminal proceedings as judges are required to make findings about the case only on the balance of probabilities, rather than the “beyond reasonable doubt”. However, he was also critical of the media outlet saying that the rape allegations were intertwined with the cover-up and the program’s team had “strong indications of the unreliability of their main source”. ‘Omnishambles’ Lee found that accusations of Higgins’ bosses in the Liberal Party had tried to cover up the allegations or pressure her was “objectively short on facts, but long on speculation”. Overall, the judge said, the case has been an “omnishambles”. Also Read | Israeli envoy Naor Gilon recognises Indian de-escalation efforts amid conflict with Iran He also criticised the network for its approach to seeking a comment from Lehrmann saying there were better ways to get in touch with him. “He was not living the life of a hermit,” said Lee. After the ruling, Lehrmann left the court and did not make any comment to the reporters standing outside. Higgins’ claims were dramatically reported on by the network, during which she had not named Lehrmann. However, he accused the show’s presenter Lisa Wilkinson of damaging his reputation after she provided enough information during the programme to know it was him. Lee after examining notes, texts, social media messages, emails, hours of audio and CCTV footage of the night in question. The judge found that he was a “far surer guide” about what happened that night than the testimonies of either Lehrmann or Higgins calling her also an “unsatisfactory witness”. (With inputs from agencies)

Judge finds ex-staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins inside Australian parliament

Australian lawmaker, Senator David Van from the opposition Liberal Party was suspended, on Thursday (June 15) by his party members after he was accused of sexual assault in the parliament House by a female colleague. This came after an Australian senator Lidia Thorpe alleged that she was aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched by another senator in parliament House and said it was “not a safe place” for women to work.

<h2>'Not a safe place' for women: Thorpe’s allegations&nbsp;</h2>

In a tearful address to the parliament, an independent senator Thorpe, on Thursday said that she had been subjected to “sexual comments”, followed and cornered in a stairwell, “inappropriately touched” and “propositioned” by “powerful men” and went to call the Australian parliament&nbsp;“not a safe place for women”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Australian senator Lidia Thorpe alleges sexual assault in Parliament house

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This was a day after the independent senator accused Van of “sexually assaulting” her but was later reportedly forced to withdraw the remark under threat of parliamentary sanction. However, on Thursday, she reiterated the core of her allegations against her colleague and said that she acknowledges “sexual assault” would mean different things to different people and said she would speak about her experience but&nbsp;did not name Van or say when the incidents occurred.&nbsp;

“What I experienced was being followed, aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched,” Thorpe told the Senate where her remarks are protected by parliamentary privilege, which means that these allegations would not invoke Australia’s severe defamation laws. However, the independent senator has said Van had engaged lawyers in the matter.

In 2021, as per AFP, Van was forced to move his parliamentary office away from Thorpe’s.&nbsp;However, the reason for this was not mentioned, while both senators have previously acknowledged that it did happen. Thorpe also spoke about how she was “afraid” of walking out of her office.&nbsp;

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“I would open the door slightly and check the coast was clear before stepping out,” said the independent senator, adding that it got to a degree where “I had to be accompanied by someone whenever I walked inside this building".

“I know there are others that have experienced similar things and have not come forward in the interest of their careers and in fear that they would be presented to the world by the media in the same way that I have been today,” said Thorpe.&nbsp;

After Thorpe’s speech,&nbsp;former senator Amanda Stoker from Van’s Liberal Party also accused him of “squeezing my bottom twice” at a party in 2020, as per local media reports. In a statement to the local media, Stoker also said that the alleged incident took place at an “informal social gathering in a parliamentary office”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Scandalous’: Van about the allegations, suspension</h2>

In a statement published after Thorpe’s speech, Van denied the allegations calling them “scandalous” and “outrageous”. He also said that would “fully cooperate with the investigators and answer any questions that they may have of me and Senator Thorpe should do the same”.&nbsp;

He also went on to accuse the independent senator of “bringing the Senate into disrepute” and “cowering under the umbrella of parliamentary privilege”. However, Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton has since suspended Van after “further allegations” had been raised against him.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-court-begins-trial-of-former-staffer-bruce-lehrmann-accused-of-sexual-assault-in-parliament-house-522340">&nbsp;Australian court begins trial of former staffer Bruce Lehrmann accused of sexual assault in Parliament House</a>

Notably, Van’s removal from the Liberal Party’s parliamentary caucus does not amount to his ouster from the parliament but rather he would now be an independent. Since 2021, Australian politics has witnessed several high-profile allegations of sexual assault and harassment inside the Parliament House.&nbsp;

Thorpe’s allegations also follow former political aide Brittany Higgins’ accusations against former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann of alleged sexual assault and rape which was said to have happened at the former defence minister’s office.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Australian lawmaker, Senator David Van from the opposition Liberal Party was suspended, on Thursday (June 15) by his party members after he was accused of sexual assault in the parliament House by a female colleague.

Australian lawmaker, Senator David Van from the opposition Liberal Party was suspended, on Thursday (June 15) by his party members after he was accused of sexual assault in the parliament House by a female colleague. This came after an Australian senator Lidia Thorpe alleged that she was aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched by another senator in parliament House and said it was “not a safe place” for women to work. 'Not a safe place' for women: Thorpe’s allegations In a tearful address to the parliament, an independent senator Thorpe, on Thursday said that she had been subjected to “sexual comments”, followed and cornered in a stairwell, “inappropriately touched” and “propositioned” by “powerful men” and went to call the Australian parliament “not a safe place for women”. ALSO WATCH | Australian senator Lidia Thorpe alleges sexual assault in Parliament house This was a day after the independent senator accused Van of “sexually assaulting” her but was later reportedly forced to withdraw the remark under threat of parliamentary sanction. However, on Thursday, she reiterated the core of her allegations against her colleague and said that she acknowledges “sexual assault” would mean different things to different people and said she would speak about her experience but did not name Van or say when the incidents occurred. “What I experienced was being followed, aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched,” Thorpe told the Senate where her remarks are protected by parliamentary privilege, which means that these allegations would not invoke Australia’s severe defamation laws. However, the independent senator has said Van had engaged lawyers in the matter. In 2021, as per AFP, Van was forced to move his parliamentary office away from Thorpe’s. However, the reason for this was not mentioned, while both senators have previously acknowledged that it did happen. Thorpe also spoke about how she was “afraid” of walking out of her office. ALSO READ | Australia Parliament rape trial jury discharged over 'misconduct' “I would open the door slightly and check the coast was clear before stepping out,” said the independent senator, adding that it got to a degree where “I had to be accompanied by someone whenever I walked inside this building". “I know there are others that have experienced similar things and have not come forward in the interest of their careers and in fear that they would be presented to the world by the media in the same way that I have been today,” said Thorpe. After Thorpe’s speech, former senator Amanda Stoker from Van’s Liberal Party also accused him of “squeezing my bottom twice” at a party in 2020, as per local media reports. In a statement to the local media, Stoker also said that the alleged incident took place at an “informal social gathering in a parliamentary office”. ‘Scandalous’: Van about the allegations, suspension In a statement published after Thorpe’s speech, Van denied the allegations calling them “scandalous” and “outrageous”. He also said that would “fully cooperate with the investigators and answer any questions that they may have of me and Senator Thorpe should do the same”. He also went on to accuse the independent senator of “bringing the Senate into disrepute” and “cowering under the umbrella of parliamentary privilege”. However, Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton has since suspended Van after “further allegations” had been raised against him. ALSO READ | Australian court begins trial of former staffer Bruce Lehrmann accused of sexual assault in Parliament House Notably, Van’s removal from the Liberal Party’s parliamentary caucus does not amount to his ouster from the parliament but rather he would now be an independent. Since 2021, Australian politics has witnessed several high-profile allegations of sexual assault and harassment inside the Parliament House. Thorpe’s allegations also follow former political aide Brittany Higgins’ accusations against former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann of alleged sexual assault and rape which was said to have happened at the former defence minister’s office. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australian lawmaker David Van suspended amid accusations of sexual assault by female senator

Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe has claimed that she was sexually assaulted in the Parliament house by fellow senator David Van, who has denied the allegations. Thorpe also added that the building was "not a safe place" for women to work.

Australian senator Lidia Thorpe alleges sexual assault in Parliament house

Breakthrough climate laws were passed by Australia on Thursday that will target the nation's worst polluters forcing coal mines and oil refineries to curb emissions by about five percent each year. Erik Njoka brings you the report.

Australian parliament approves caps on big polluters

Australian parliament on Thursday passed the most significant climate-related laws to target the country's worst polluters amid growing concern over fossil fuel exports. The so-called Safeguard Mechanism will force coal mines and oil refineries to curb emissions by about five per cent each year.&nbsp;

The passing of laws is a stepping stone for Australia as the nation has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The laws apply to 215 major industrial facilities, each producing more than 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year.&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted, "Our Safeguard Mechanism to limit emissions and act on climate change passed Parliament this afternoon." Albanese added, "After a decade of inaction, Australia is now on a path to net zero."&nbsp;

The deal was finalised after weeks of confidential negotiation between the Labour government and the Greens, which is a minor party with 15 parliamentarians, but their support was needed to pass the laws.&nbsp;

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The left-wing Greens party were sceptical over the law being able to stop some new gas and coal development proposals and prevention of further industry expansion.&nbsp;

However, they agreed to back the plan after persuading the government to put a hard cap on emissions. Greens leader Adam Bandt said the move compelled oil and gas corporations to slash their emissions "for the first time ever in law".&nbsp;

WATCH | What is threatening dolphin population?&nbsp;

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Australia's Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen told MPs: "What the parliament has done today is safeguard our climate, safeguard our economy and safeguard our future."&nbsp;

"What the parliament has done today is brought an end to 10 years of dysfunction and 10 years of delay."

Aluminium smelters, coal mines, oil refineries and other large polluters will be forced to cut their emissions by 4.9 per cent each year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pool-part-at-sunaks-greenpeace-activists-gather-outside-uk-pms-home-in-protest-of-his-energy-draining-pool-577216">Pool party at Sunak's? Greenpeace activists gather outside UK PM's home in protest of his energy-draining pool</a>&nbsp;

University of New South Wales sustainability expert Tommy Wiedmann told the news agency AFP, "It's the first time greenhouse gas emissions reduction has been written into Australian law."&nbsp;

"That's obviously a good thing. We have a climate policy now," Wiedmann added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Australian parliament on Thursday passed the most significant climate-related laws to target the country's worst polluters amid growing concern over fossil fuel exports.

Australian parliament on Thursday passed the most significant climate-related laws to target the country's worst polluters amid growing concern over fossil fuel exports. The so-called Safeguard Mechanism will force coal mines and oil refineries to curb emissions by about five per cent each year. The passing of laws is a stepping stone for Australia as the nation has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The laws apply to 215 major industrial facilities, each producing more than 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted, "Our Safeguard Mechanism to limit emissions and act on climate change passed Parliament this afternoon." Albanese added, "After a decade of inaction, Australia is now on a path to net zero." The deal was finalised after weeks of confidential negotiation between the Labour government and the Greens, which is a minor party with 15 parliamentarians, but their support was needed to pass the laws. ALSO READ | UK: 66 unaccompanied minors still missing after vanishing from Brighton asylum hotel The left-wing Greens party were sceptical over the law being able to stop some new gas and coal development proposals and prevention of further industry expansion. However, they agreed to back the plan after persuading the government to put a hard cap on emissions. Greens leader Adam Bandt said the move compelled oil and gas corporations to slash their emissions "for the first time ever in law". WATCH | What is threatening dolphin population? × Australia's Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen told MPs: "What the parliament has done today is safeguard our climate, safeguard our economy and safeguard our future." "What the parliament has done today is brought an end to 10 years of dysfunction and 10 years of delay." Aluminium smelters, coal mines, oil refineries and other large polluters will be forced to cut their emissions by 4.9 per cent each year. ALSO READ | Pool party at Sunak's? Greenpeace activists gather outside UK PM's home in protest of his energy-draining pool University of New South Wales sustainability expert Tommy Wiedmann told the news agency AFP, "It's the first time greenhouse gas emissions reduction has been written into Australian law." "That's obviously a good thing. We have a climate policy now," Wiedmann added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Safeguard Mechanism: Australian parliament passes law to make big polluters curb emissions

A report by a former judge against Australia’s former prime minister Scott Morrison proving that he held various ministries in secret has caused a furore in the country, with fervent calls being made to implement new laws to increase transparency.

Ex-Australia PM’s secret appointments eroded public trust, says report

On Tuesday, the highly anticipated trial of Australia’s former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann began at the Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court, in the country’s national capital Canberra. The trial of Lehrmann is over the alleged sexual assault of former co-worker Brittany Higgins, in the Parliament House in Canberra in March 2019.

The alleged sexual assault was said to have happened at the former defence minister’s office sparking debate surrounding the security at the nation’s political hub. Today’s trial is being presided over by ACT Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum and is scheduled to last up to six weeks.&nbsp;

The prosecutor Shane Drumgold in his opening address said that the 16-person jury will hear evidence that Higgins had been “as drunk as she had ever been in her life” after “a drunken night out” with colleagues at two bars – Dock and 88mph in Canberra, on the night that the alleged incident took place.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent from Higgins. If charged, he could face up to 12 years in prison. The case has faced a lot of delays partly due to the media commentary surrounding the high-profile case after Higgins came forward with the allegations, said reports.&nbsp;

Drumgold went on to outline the prosecution’s version of the events that happened on March 22, 2019. According to media reports, the prosecutor said that there is CCTV evidence which suggests that Higgins had at least 11 drinks that night, which is why her memory was “unsurprisingly patchy”. The case is being based on Higgin’s level of intoxication as the prosecution believes that it is important and relevant to her ability to consent to have sexual intercourse with Lehrmann at the time.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-made-a-soul-destroying-rape-claim-then-3-others-came-forward-366168">She made a 'soul-destroying' rape claim. Then 3 others came forward.</a>

Drumgold went on to say that Higgins remembered leaving the 88mph bar in the early hours of Saturday morning and sharing a taxi with Lehrmann. He told her that needed to go via the Parliament House. Subsequently, Lehrmann told guards at the entrance of Parliament House that he worked for the Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds and they were here to pick up some documents.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Drumgold said that the guards who saw the duo observed that they were inebriated. Higgins alleged that after they entered the minister’s office she fell asleep and woke up “on the couch with the accused having sex with her” said the prosecutor, after which Lehrmann allegedly left in an Uber and she fell asleep again. &nbsp;

Drumgold further indicated that his client remembered waking up because of “the pain in her leg” which she said was caused by the accused’s knee digging into her thigh. He added that Higgins was “crying throughout the entire process” and saying “no at least half a dozen times”.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In the days following the incident, Higgins described herself as “barely lucid” and so intoxicated “I couldn't write my own name”, said local media reports.&nbsp;

Drumgold in the court also said that she woke up in the office later that morning when a guard had come to check on her, she also texted her friend at the time that “If he (Lehrmann) thought it was O.K. why would he have just left me there?” The prosecution also accused Lehrmann of lying about his reasons to go to the Parliament House that night based on the differing accounts of the alleged incident.&nbsp;

The prosecution told the jury that Higgins and Lehrmann arrived at the Parliament at 1:41 am on the night of the alleged sexual assault, he did not have his security pass and told the security that he was there to “pick up some documents”. However, when he was questioned about this breach of security protocol the following Tuesday, by Reynolds’s office manager Fiona Brown, he said: “to drink some whiskey and had two glasses”.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-government-vows-quick-delivery-of-independent-probe-for-rape-accusation-365505">Australian government vows 'quick delivery' of independent probe for rape accusation</a>

In April 2021, when first questioned by the police the prosecution said Lehrmann had offered two separate reasons which they argue are a lie and “highly unlikely”. On the other hand, Defense lawyer Steven Whybrow said that there are “massive holes” in the series of events that Higgins told the police about.&nbsp;

He also went on to acknowledge the violence against women being an “underreported and under-prosecuted scourge on our society,” however, he argued that what Higgins said was not true. Whybrow also talked about “the elephant in the room” referring to Higgins’ move of going to the media in 2021 and giving an interview with two journalists, before going to the police.&nbsp;

Reportedly, she had first reported the incident in 2019 but withdrew her complaint because of how it would affect her job during the upcoming election campaign. “Mark Twain once said: 'Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.' And this case is the epitome of that phrase,” said Whybrow in his opening statement. While also asked the jurors to ignore the previous media coverage which he said has snowballed.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australian-pm-scott-morrison-apologises-to-brittany-higgins-in-parliament-451441">Australian PM Scott Morrison apologises to Brittany Higgins in Parliament</a>

The panel of 16 jurors includes 10 men and 6 women including the 4 reserves who were selected given the long duration of the case. The supreme court judge described the case as a “cause celebre” due to its high profile and went on to say that “It is a fundamental requirement that a person accused of a serious criminal offence be tried by an impartial jury.”&nbsp;

The case could also see at least 52 witnesses, by the prosecution the names of which Drumgold read out and Whybrow read out the names of 10 potential witnesses that they would present for the case.&nbsp;

Higgins who has since become a prominent advocate for women’s rights, her allegations and complaints of lack of support from her former conservative government ranks sparked a nationwide protest after which former Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued an apology.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the highly anticipated trial of Australia’s former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann began at the Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court, in the country’s national capital Canberra.

On Tuesday, the highly anticipated trial of Australia’s former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann began at the Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court, in the country’s national capital Canberra. The trial of Lehrmann is over the alleged sexual assault of former co-worker Brittany Higgins, in the Parliament House in Canberra in March 2019. The alleged sexual assault was said to have happened at the former defence minister’s office sparking debate surrounding the security at the nation’s political hub. Today’s trial is being presided over by ACT Supreme Court Justice Lucy McCallum and is scheduled to last up to six weeks. The prosecutor Shane Drumgold in his opening address said that the 16-person jury will hear evidence that Higgins had been “as drunk as she had ever been in her life” after “a drunken night out” with colleagues at two bars – Dock and 88mph in Canberra, on the night that the alleged incident took place. Meanwhile, Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent from Higgins. If charged, he could face up to 12 years in prison. The case has faced a lot of delays partly due to the media commentary surrounding the high-profile case after Higgins came forward with the allegations, said reports. Drumgold went on to outline the prosecution’s version of the events that happened on March 22, 2019. According to media reports, the prosecutor said that there is CCTV evidence which suggests that Higgins had at least 11 drinks that night, which is why her memory was “unsurprisingly patchy”. The case is being based on Higgin’s level of intoxication as the prosecution believes that it is important and relevant to her ability to consent to have sexual intercourse with Lehrmann at the time. ALSO READ: She made a 'soul-destroying' rape claim. Then 3 others came forward. Drumgold went on to say that Higgins remembered leaving the 88mph bar in the early hours of Saturday morning and sharing a taxi with Lehrmann. He told her that needed to go via the Parliament House. Subsequently, Lehrmann told guards at the entrance of Parliament House that he worked for the Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds and they were here to pick up some documents. Reportedly, Drumgold said that the guards who saw the duo observed that they were inebriated. Higgins alleged that after they entered the minister’s office she fell asleep and woke up “on the couch with the accused having sex with her” said the prosecutor, after which Lehrmann allegedly left in an Uber and she fell asleep again. Drumgold further indicated that his client remembered waking up because of “the pain in her leg” which she said was caused by the accused’s knee digging into her thigh. He added that Higgins was “crying throughout the entire process” and saying “no at least half a dozen times”. In the days following the incident, Higgins described herself as “barely lucid” and so intoxicated “I couldn't write my own name”, said local media reports. Drumgold in the court also said that she woke up in the office later that morning when a guard had come to check on her, she also texted her friend at the time that “If he (Lehrmann) thought it was O.K. why would he have just left me there?” The prosecution also accused Lehrmann of lying about his reasons to go to the Parliament House that night based on the differing accounts of the alleged incident. The prosecution told the jury that Higgins and Lehrmann arrived at the Parliament at 1:41 am on the night of the alleged sexual assault, he did not have his security pass and told the security that he was there to “pick up some documents”. However, when he was questioned about this breach of security protocol the following Tuesday, by Reynolds’s office manager Fiona Brown, he said: “to drink some whiskey and had two glasses”. ALSO READ: Australian government vows 'quick delivery' of independent probe for rape accusation In April 2021, when first questioned by the police the prosecution said Lehrmann had offered two separate reasons which they argue are a lie and “highly unlikely”. On the other hand, Defense lawyer Steven Whybrow said that there are “massive holes” in the series of events that Higgins told the police about. He also went on to acknowledge the violence against women being an “underreported and under-prosecuted scourge on our society,” however, he argued that what Higgins said was not true. Whybrow also talked about “the elephant in the room” referring to Higgins’ move of going to the media in 2021 and giving an interview with two journalists, before going to the police. Reportedly, she had first reported the incident in 2019 but withdrew her complaint because of how it would affect her job during the upcoming election campaign. “Mark Twain once said: 'Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.' And this case is the epitome of that phrase,” said Whybrow in his opening statement. While also asked the jurors to ignore the previous media coverage which he said has snowballed. ALSO WATCH: Australian PM Scott Morrison apologises to Brittany Higgins in Parliament The panel of 16 jurors includes 10 men and 6 women including the 4 reserves who were selected given the long duration of the case. The supreme court judge described the case as a “cause celebre” due to its high profile and went on to say that “It is a fundamental requirement that a person accused of a serious criminal offence be tried by an impartial jury.” The case could also see at least 52 witnesses, by the prosecution the names of which Drumgold read out and Whybrow read out the names of 10 potential witnesses that they would present for the case. Higgins who has since become a prominent advocate for women’s rights, her allegations and complaints of lack of support from her former conservative government ranks sparked a nationwide protest after which former Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued an apology. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian court begins trial of former staffer Bruce Lehrmann accused of sexual assault in Parliament House

A new report has found that 63% of Australia's female parliamentarians or legislators have been sexually harassed, as have 1 in 3 Parliament staffers. Earlier, reports claimed the prayer room in Australia's parliament is routinely used for sex. Palki Sharma tells all about it.

Gravitas: Report: 1 in 3 workers in Australian Parliament are sexually harassed

According to a report published on Tuesday, one in three people working in Australia's parliament has experienced sexual harassment, following an independent inquiry into parliamentary workplace culture.

One in every three employees sexually harassed in Australian Parliament, says report

The Australian government on Monday promised a&nbsp;'quick delivery' of an independent probe&nbsp;as pressure grows after a newspaper published a third accusation of rape.

Two female employees of Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Liberal party said last week they had been raped by the same man in 2019 and 2020.

Both have yet to make a formal police complaint, but Brittany Higgins, who has spoken publicly about her alleged rape, said last week that she would do so, though it is unclear if she has lodged one with police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-allegation-made-against-man-accused-of-rape-in-australia-parliament-365316" hreflang="en">Another allegation made against man accused of rape in Australia Parliament</a>

Higgins had alleged that after a night out drinking with conservative Liberal Party colleagues, she was sexually assaulted by one of her male colleagues in in the office of then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds' office.

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham, who is leading an internal inquiry into workplace culture, said he wanted an investigation that is to be set up next week to be impartial.

"I want complete independence," he told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio. "I want people to have full confidence that this enquiry is genuinely an independent (one)."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australian-pm-apologises-to-women-who-alleged-rape-in-parliament-364056/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The complaint process is expected to be a central element of the investigation, he said, adding, "This is not something that I expect to drag on for weeks."

Fuelling pressure on Morrison, the Australian newspaper published on Monday the account of a third woman, who said she had also been raped by the unnamed former Liberal party worker on the night of June 29 and the morning of June 30 in 2016.

"I believe his actions constitute sexual assault because he performed or tried to perform sexual acts on me while I was severely intoxicated and unable to provide valid and informed consent," the unidentified woman told the paper.

The incident happened outside parliament, she added.

Already dogged by accusations of improper behaviour towards women, Morrison's Liberals face a barrage of criticism about the way it handled Higgins' internal complaint to Linda Reynolds, who is now defence minister.

Higgins has said she felt pressure not to proceed with a formal complaint for fear of losing her job.

Reynolds last week apologised to Higgins but denied that she or her staff pressured her not to pursue a police complaint.

Morrison said he only learnt of the alleged complaints last week and has sought to placate public anger with an inquiry.

The Australian government on Monday promised a 'quick delivery' of an independent probe as pressure grows after a newspaper published a third accusation of rape.

The Australian government on Monday promised a 'quick delivery' of an independent probe as pressure grows after a newspaper published a third accusation of rape. Two female employees of Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Liberal party said last week they had been raped by the same man in 2019 and 2020. Both have yet to make a formal police complaint, but Brittany Higgins, who has spoken publicly about her alleged rape, said last week that she would do so, though it is unclear if she has lodged one with police. Also read: Another allegation made against man accused of rape in Australia Parliament Higgins had alleged that after a night out drinking with conservative Liberal Party colleagues, she was sexually assaulted by one of her male colleagues in in the office of then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds' office. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham, who is leading an internal inquiry into workplace culture, said he wanted an investigation that is to be set up next week to be impartial. "I want complete independence," he told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio. "I want people to have full confidence that this enquiry is genuinely an independent (one)." The complaint process is expected to be a central element of the investigation, he said, adding, "This is not something that I expect to drag on for weeks." Fuelling pressure on Morrison, the Australian newspaper published on Monday the account of a third woman, who said she had also been raped by the unnamed former Liberal party worker on the night of June 29 and the morning of June 30 in 2016. "I believe his actions constitute sexual assault because he performed or tried to perform sexual acts on me while I was severely intoxicated and unable to provide valid and informed consent," the unidentified woman told the paper. The incident happened outside parliament, she added. Already dogged by accusations of improper behaviour towards women, Morrison's Liberals face a barrage of criticism about the way it handled Higgins' internal complaint to Linda Reynolds, who is now defence minister. Higgins has said she felt pressure not to proceed with a formal complaint for fear of losing her job. Reynolds last week apologised to Higgins but denied that she or her staff pressured her not to pursue a police complaint. Morrison said he only learnt of the alleged complaints last week and has sought to placate public anger with an inquiry.

Australian government vows 'quick delivery' of independent probe for rape accusation

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has apologised to a woman who alleged that she was raped in the countries Parliament. The woman alleged that an unnamed colleague had raped her in the minister's office in March 2019.

Australian PM apologises to women who alleged rape in Parliament

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