Milton Dick (Oxley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On the cover of Queensland's Courier-Mail today, women on both sides of state politics have come forward and shared their stories of sexual assault and harassment. They've done the bravest thing a survivor can do—speak publicly about their experience—and they've done so hoping that their stories will empower others to speak out. These stories—from small business minister Di Farmer, environment minister Meaghan Scanlon, children's minister Leanne Linard, health minister Yvette D'Ath, Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman and Amanda Camm of the LNP—are hard to read. They happened during childhood and adulthood, in workplaces, at schoolies, in the shop or at home, perpetrated by friends, colleagues and strangers. But there was a common thread: nearly all these women feared that they wouldn't be believed and that they'd get in trouble for being out late or wearing a short skirt, or they'd be told, 'Boys will be boys.' There is a reckoning going on in this country. Women are standing up, making predators accountable and telling us they won't stay silent or be doubted any longer. I say to the leaders of Queensland who have come forward today: thank you for your bravery and for shining a light on this issue in this historic moment. I say to all courageous survivors and all women: I stand with you, I believe you and I'm on your side.