'I'm sorry': Scott Morrison's emotional apology to Brittany Higgins
Scott Morrison has offered an apology to Brittany Higgins and other victims of abuse and bullying, acknowledging the “nightmare” she went through during her time at Parliament House.
Ms Higgins, a former media adviser, was allegedly raped by a colleague in their workplace in 2019.
After the incident, she quit her job and went public with her ordeal with the goal of protecting other women from workplace harassment and sexual assault.
Mr Morrison said Ms Higgins, who was one of six women present in the gallery, was the “reason why we are all here today”.
“I am sorry. We are sorry. I am sorry to Ms Higgins for the terrible things that took place here,” he said.
“And the place that should have been a place for safety and contribution, turned out to be a nightmare. I am sorry for far more than that. All of those who came before Ms Higgins.
“We are sorry for all of these things, and in doing so, each of us take an accountability for change. For those of us who have perpetuated the bullying and violence, the light will come to those behaviours – as it must.”
Mr Morrison said he wanted Parliament House to be a place where women are able to “follow their dreams” and not have their beliefs “crushed by brutality and the misuse of power”.
The Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese also apologised and said his party is “committing to change”.
“No one deserves to feel unsafe or disrespected in any workplace, let alone our national parliament,” he said.
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Brittany Higgins a 'last minute' invite
Ms Higgins' partner, journalist David Sharaz, later posted on Twitter that Ms Higgins' invite was a "last minute" decision.
He posted a photo of the women in the gallery, with Ms Higgins seated front and centre.
A powerful reminder that these women were last minute invites. That Brittany Higgins was a last minute invite. pic.twitter.com/8OudJPjCZg
— David Sharaz (@SharazDavid) February 8, 2022
"As though they were an oversight. Appalling," one person responded.
"I should be shocked and horrified that no invitation was given, and yet I am not," another said.
Grace Tame reacts to PM’s apology
Within minutes of Mr Morrison’s speech, former Australian of the Year Grace Tame took to Twitter to call for more action from the government and accuse the PM of delivering an empty "performance".
“How about some proactive, preventative measures and not just these performative, last-minute bandaid electioneering stunts?” she wrote.
How about some proactive, preventative measures and not just these performative, last-minute bandaid electioneering stunts?
— Grace Tame (@TamePunk) February 8, 2022
Her message was met with dozens of comments calling the apologies “performative theatre” and “election stunts”.
Ms Tame, an activist and advocate for survivors of sexual assault, made headlines recently when photos from an awkward photo opportunity with the prime minister went viral.
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