Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

First, in relation to the briefings or my knowledge, as the former Senate President Ryan has made clear, a number of senators, including me, were made aware of some details of these events as early as 2020. That knowledge firstly related to the retention of CCTV footage, as he had outlined in his statement to the Senate in February 2021. He contacted both Senator Cormann and me on 16 October 2020 to address queries regarding the retention of CCTV footage and to advise that we were undertaking an independent inquiry into the actions of DPS staff, following the receipt of anonymous correspondence and its referral to the AFP. That's what the President told the chamber in 2021.

The statement also makes clear that the President 'did not disclose to those senators any allegations of sexual assault'. As you know, Senator Birmingham, after you were appointed as Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister for Finance, you were also briefed on these matters. The former President's statement provided to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee states that the independent inquiry commissioned by those presiding officers reported to the secretary of DPS on 29 October 2020. I was subsequently briefed on this report and provided a copy, as were you, Senator Birmingham, as Leader of the Government in the Senate. At all times I've sought to ensure that this matter was being appropriately handled by relevant authorities, including by raising this matter with both the President and Senator Birmingham. The President's statement on 1 April 2021 makes clear that the report did not contain Ms Higgins's identity. The details I became aware of, through the briefing process I've outlined, were never made public by me or by others. I believe victims have a right to determine what course of action should be taken in relation to sexual assault. (Time expired)