Queensland Labour Party MP Brittany Lauga alleged she was drugged and sexually assaulted in Yeppoon, a central Queensland town. She said she contacted the police in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“Tests at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in my body which I did not take. This substance impacted me significantly,” Lauga was quoted as saying by news agency Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
The Keppel MP said that several other women with similar experiences from the town reached out to her after she shared her ordeal.
“This could have happened to anyone and tragically, it does happen to many of us. It’s not ok. We should be able to enjoy socialising in our town without the risk of being drugged or assaulted,” she said.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me in support. I truly value your thoughtful messages, gestures and kindness. If you have any information that may assist the investigation, please tell the police,” she further added.
A separate report by UK-based newspaper The Guardian said that a video, purported to be of the alleged assault of Lauga and filmed from across the street, has been circulating online. She was informed of the said video after she reported the assault to police.
The Queensland Police Service told the broadcaster that it is probing a sexual assault complaint relating to an incident in Yeppoon.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the provincial government is backing Brittany Lauga in every way possible. “No one should have to go through what Brittany is going through. My sole focus is on Brittany and her wellbeing. I’ve told Brittany that we’re here to support her, whatever she needs,” Miles was quoted as saying.
Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the statement issued by the parliamentarian made for “difficult reading”.
“Those are shocking allegations … I understand that Brittany is going to take a short time to look after herself and we absolutely support her to do that,” she said.
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