Content warning: Contains discussion of sexual harassment and assault.

Following weeks of inaction, the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) calls for the establishment of a government inquiry into the recent rape allegations surrounding Federal Parliament, in addition to an independent inquiry into the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment within parliament.

Recent reports emerged alleging that in 2019, a male staffer working for the Defence Industry Minister, raped another staffer, Brittany Higgins, in Parliament House. In the reports following, details of the assault were made public, revealing a clear lack of transparency, and inadequate protocol, from the government. It appears this was not an isolated issue, with a further three survivors of the same alleged perpetrator coming forward as of Tuesday March 2nd 2021 (1).

The Conversation reported Ms. Higgins feared career repercussions for disclosing the alleged sexual assault. Ms. Higgins stated that the chief of staff “continually made [her] feel as if [her] ongoing employment would be jeopardised if [she] proceeded any further with the matter” (2).

AMSA commends the bravery of Ms Higgins for speaking up, and all who break their silence despite the resultant stigma and repercussions many undeservedly face.

“The events of recent weeks stand as a stark reminder that inadequate workplace safety across Australia stands as a barrier to the personal welfare and professional success of women. Further, our institutions are only as strong as the protections they afford to their most junior staff, and these events have brought to light a growing demand for both cultural and systemic change,” Sophie Keen, President of the Australian Medical Students’ Association, said today.

Sexual assault remains an unacceptable reality for women, transgender, and gender diverse people in Australia. One in five sexual assaults cause physical injury at the time, and survivors of sexual assault have a significantly increased lifetime risk of mental illness (3, 4).

However, less than 17% of victims of sexual harassment at work reported the incident as a complaint (5). This represents a serious and preventable health issue, with one in six women having experienced at least one sexual assault since the age of fifteen in Australia (3), rooted in systemic problems in society.

AMSA remains deeply disturbed by this reality of sexual assault in Australia, including within our government, and expresses disappointment in the handling of this incident. In a survey conducted by AMSA, ninety percent of Australia’s future doctors affirmed that promoting equitable access to sexual and reproductive healthcare is ‘extremely important' or ‘very important'. Consequently, we echo the recommendations of Gender Equity Victoria, who are calling for an independent inquiry into sexual assault and harassment within parliament (6).

AMSA requests the findings of the inquiry be made publicly available, and a government commitment be made to tangible and timely implementation of inquiry recommendations, alongside transparent and regular progress reporting. In regards to the alleged historic case of rape by a current cabinet minister in 1988, AMSA believes that a government inquiry into the allegation should be conducted, and that the matter be treated seriously.

We acknowledge that medical students and doctors are exposed to this violence, and recognise the potential for re-traumatisation with the discussion of sexual violence in the media. We also acknowledge the culture of sexual harassment still present within the medical profession on both an individual and systemic level, and encourage professional medical bodies to reflect on the safety of their own organisations.

AMSA is the peak representative body of Australia’s 17,000 medical students. AMSA Sexual and Reproductive Health believes in all individuals’ freedom from sexual shame, stigma, and violence. AMSA Gender Equity advocates for the breakdown of gender inequities within the community and workforce.

Sexual Assault Support Services

• 1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
•  Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 131 114
•  Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
•  DRS 4 DRS
•  List of state based services available here: https://www.respect.gov.au/services/

References

1. ABC. Fourth woman alleges former staffer at centre of rape allegations ‘stroked her thigh'. abc.net.au. 2021 Available from: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021- 02-22/fourth-woman-accuses-staffer-in-brittany-higgins-case/13178190
2. The Conversation. Grattan on Friday: Scott Morrison dealt poorly with a young woman’s shocking story. The Conversation. 2021. Available from: https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-scott-morrison-dealt-poorly-with- a-young-womans-shocking-story-155570
3. ABS 2017. Personal safety, Australia, 2016. ABS cat. no. 4906.0. Canberra: ABS
4. Chen LP, Murad MH, Paras ML, et al. Sexual abuse and lifetime diagnosis of psychiatric disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010;85(7):618-629. doi:10.4065/mcp.2009.0583
5. Australian Human Rights Commission. Everyone’s business: Fourth national survey on sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. Australian Human Rights Commission 2018 Available at: https://humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/document/publication/AHRC_WO RKPLACE_SH_2018.pdf
6. SBS. Calls for ‘deep systemic investigation’ into parliament culture after Brittany Higgins’ rape allegation. sbs.com.au. 2021 Available from: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/calls-for-deep-systemic-investigation-into- parliament-culture-after-brittany-higgins-rape-allegation