A lawyer who represented the woman who made a rape allegation against a Cabinet Minister says it is important that the man speaks publicly today.
Key points:
- The Cabinet Minister is expected to give a statement on Wednesday morning
- An anonymous letter sent to several parliamentarians has alleged he raped a 16-year-old girl in 1988
- Yesterday, NSW Police said its investigation into the matter was closed
Sources within the government say the minister is likely to break his silence today to make a statement and take several questions from journalists.
It is understood he will not step down and will strongly deny any wrongdoing.
An anonymous letter, sent to several members of Parliament last week, alleged a 16-year-old girl was raped in 1988 by a man who is now a minister in the federal government.
The woman took her own life last year and New South Wales police yesterday said their investigation into the matter was closed.
Michael Bradley, who represented the woman, told Channel Nine the Minister's decision to speak today was an "appropriate" step for the Minister to take.
"It's a necessary thing to happen," he said.
"I hope that he'll directly address the allegation and we'll all hear what his position on that is and that will sort of dictate what the next step should be.
"I also hope that he or someone from the government at some point says something acknowledging the humanity of my client which has sadly been absent so far."
Mr Bradley said the man should be considered innocent until proven guilty and, given NSW Police's decision to declare the matter closed, "that presumption of innocence will always remain".
NSW Police said there was "insufficient admissible evidence" to proceed.
"However, the question here is we have a Cabinet Minister with a very serious allegation against him, the issue is whether he can continue in his role."
Separately, police in South Australia have prepared a report into her death for the coroner.
The sexual assault allegation has dominated national media attention and loomed large over the 16 men in the Coalition government's Cabinet ever since an anonymous letter was sent to several members of Parliament last week.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has previously said the Minister "absolutely rejects" the allegation.
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2021-03-02 21:41:44Z
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