Australia's top cop has warned MPs, via the PM, of the risks of not reporting crimes to police. Photo / News Corp Australia
Australia's top cop has warned MPs, via the PM, of the risks of not reporting crimes to police. Photo / News Corp Australia
Australia's top police officer has sent a strongly worded letter to the country's PM in the wake of the Brittany Higgins rape scandal, warning politicians that delays in reporting crimes can seriously damage investigations and risk the perpetrator reoffending.
The alleged rape of Brittany Higgins in Australia's Parliament has broughtthe process for reporting crimes into sharp focus.
Federal Police commissioner Reece Kershaw sent a letter to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
yesterday, warning MPs of the risks of failing to report crimes.
"I cannot state strongly enough the importance of timely referrals of allegations of criminal conduct," he wrote.
"Failure to report alleged criminal behaviour in this manner, or choosing to communicate or disseminate allegations via other means, such as through the media or third parties, risks prejudicing and subsequent police investigation."
Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleged she was raped in 2019 by a colleague in the parliamentary office of her then-boss Linda Reynolds.
Senator Reynolds said she encouraged Higgins to go to the police when she learned of the alleged crime, as did Higgins' subsequent boss Michaelia Cash.
Brittany Higgins alleges she was raped in the office of her former boss, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds. Photo / Supplied
Higgins met with the Federal Police in 2019 but opted not to pursue an investigation at that time.
But the Australian government is facing scrutiny over its internal reporting mechanisms, with revelations Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton found out about the allegation four days before the Prime Minister said he knew.
Dutton joined a group including Reynolds, Cash, House Speaker Tony Smith, and Senate President Scott Ryan, who knew about the alleged rape before Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Former Special Minister for State Alex Hawke was also contacted over the termination of the male staffer.
Morrison said
yesterday he would have approached the situation in the same way as his ministers had he been informed earlier.
"My action would have been the same as those ministers' actions. That is to say: has the matter been drawn to the attention of the police?" he said.
"The answer to that question was, yes, it had."
Two other women have subsequently claimed they were also raped by the man, with one of the alleged attacks occurring last year.
Kershaw warned failing to report crimes could embolden a perpetrator to taint evidence or even strike again.
AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw has written to MPs warning of the danger of not reporting crimes. Photo / News Corp Australia
"Any delay in reporting criminal conduct can result in the loss of key evidence, continuation of the offending and/or reoffending by the alleged perpetrator," he said.
"It also has the very real potential to compromise the rights of victims and other parties to the alleged offences.
"By not adhering to this process, there is a real risk that any alternative actions by individuals may lead to obstructing, preventing, perverting or defeating the course of justice or the administration of law."
Morrison passed Kershaw's letter on to House Speaker Tony Smith and Senate President Scott Ryan, telling them MPs must understand their duty to provide "compassionate support" to victims seeking to come forward.
"These are serious and traumatic events for anyone to deal with … It is important that members, senators and their staff feel fully empowered and supported to take the actions recommended by the commissioner," he wrote.
Both letters were circulated to MPs via parliament's sergeant-at-arms.
Higgins on Wednesday filed an official complaint over the alleged rape to the AFP, which was investigating the matter.
Morrison stressed his confidence in law enforcement's ability to appropriately handle the case.
"They are best placed as a result of their experience and training to deal with the acute sensitivity of these issues on those reporting these matters," he wrote.
Where to get help:
• If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111. • If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone call the confidential crisis helpline Safe to Talk on: 0800 044 334 or text 4334. (available 24/7) • Male Survivors Aotearoa offers a range of confidential support at centres across New Zealand - find your closest one here. • Mosaic - Tiaki Tangata: 0800 94 22 94 (available 11am - 8pm) • Alternatively contact your local police station • If you have been abused, remember it's not your fault.
