Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has taken medical leave and been admitted to hospital as a "precautionary measure".
Key points:
- The Defence Minister was due to appear at the National Press Club on Wednesday
- Former staffer Brittany Higgins alleges she was raped by a colleague in Senator Reynolds's office in 2019
- Senator Reynolds has faced sustained pressure for her handling of the allegations in the last week
Senator Reynolds was due to address the National Press Club today, where she was expected to face questions about her handling of sexual allegations made by her former staffer, Brittany Higgins.
In a statement, Senator Reynolds said she was taking medical leave on the advice of her cardiologist, and that it related to a pre-existing medical condition.
The statement said Prime Minister Scott Morrison has phoned Senator Reynolds to "express his concern and sympathy".
Ms Higgins plans to make a formal complaint to police today, alleging a male colleague raped her inside Senator Reynolds's ministerial office in 2019.
Senator Reynolds has faced sustained pressure over her handling of the alleged rape complaint.
Ms Higgins said she hoped Senator Reynolds was "okay" and wished her "all the best for her recovery".
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne will act as Defence Minister until Senator Reynolds returns to work.
Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters at Parliament House that Ms Reynolds had taken the leave reluctantly.
Loading"Linda was desperate to appear before the National Press Club today, desperate to appear," he said.
"It was only on the strongest medical advice that she took the reluctant decision not to do it."
Senator Reynolds was the defence industry minister when the alleged rape occurred in March 2019.
Mr Morrison promoted her to Cabinet and the senior defence portfolio after the 2019 election.
She has faced internal pressure within the Coalition in the last week, with some MPs and senators telling the ABC they thought she should resign or be sacked.
Mr Hunt said Senator Reynolds needed support as she received medical assistance.
"I think our compassion, our focus on the needs of others in this, the most intense environment in the country, is something that all of us need to bring to the forth," he said.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMia2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTAyLTI0L2xpbmRhLXJleW5vbGRzLWhvc3BpdGFsLWNhcmRpb2xvZ2lzdC1sZWF2ZS1icml0dGFueS1oaWdnaW5zLzEzMTg2NDUy0gEnaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuYWJjLm5ldC5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzEzMTg2NDUy?oc=5
2021-02-23 22:35:46Z
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