Big day in #estimates today. I found out from AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw that the Brittany Higgins investigation had received 32 referrals of information to their investigation, and the AFP are actively pursuing six matters. 1/7
During my questioning of the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services we learned that there had been no changes to parliamentary security protocols since Brittany Higgins’ allegations came to light. 2/7 #estimates
We also learned that a review of security procedures and policies - some of which haven’t been updated since the early 2000s! - had been started in early 2018 but had not yet recommended any changes to security guard duty of care. 3/7 #estimates
PM&C Secretary Phil Gaetjens revealed that nearly 2 weeks ago he’d paused his inquiry into what PMO staff knew about Brittany Higgins’ alleged rape. He says AFP Commissioner Kershaw asked him to – which Kershaw denies, and which PM withheld from parliament. 4/7 #estimates
Gaetjens will be guided by AFP about when to resume his inquiry without prejudicing investigation. Given differing accounts I secured an assurance he’d call Kershaw today - so inquiry could potentially re-start today. But PM will find a way to squash it, no doubt. 5/7 #estimates
And the deputy secretary of the PM’s department confirmed that the new hotline established for parliamentary staff needing assistance around workplace abuse or assault was staffed by trauma-informed psychologists. 6/7 #estimates
She also said she would consider my suggestion to hold a joint sitting of parliament to deliver training on safe workplace practices and send a message about the importance of cleaning up parliament’s culture. 7/7 #estimates
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