Extract from ABC News
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dismissed calls for an inquiry into a historical rape allegation against Attorney-General Christian Porter.
Key points:
- Christian Porter denies the allegation and says it "did not happen"
- The Prime Minister says an inquiry would imply the police are not competent to deal with this issue
- Mr Morrison says Mr Porter has the support of his colleagues
At a press conference yesterday Mr Porter "categorically" denied the allegation and said he would not be standing down from Cabinet.
The woman contacted police in 2019 but took her own life last year.
On Tuesday, New South Wales Police said there was "insufficient admissible evidence" to investigate, and that the case was now closed.
The woman's family and the federal opposition have called for an inquiry into the allegation to go ahead.
"I don't agree with that because I don't agree with the precedent or the prima facie case for there being such a process," the Prime Minister said.
"Because that would say the rule of law and our police are not competent to deal with these issues.
"There is not the 'tribe-has-spoken' process.
"That's not how we run the rule of law in Australia."
The woman's family released a written statement, via lawyers, saying they were "supportive of an inquiry which would potentially shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deceased's passing".
The statement said the family wanted their privacy as they continued to "experience considerable grief arising from their loss".
Mr Morrison said as PM he had "no alternative" but to follow the rule of law.
Yesterday, Mr Porter said Mr Morrison had given him his "full backing".
"I can say categorically that what has been put in various forms in allegations, simply did not happen," he said.
"Nothing in the allegations that have been printed ever happened."
Porter has support of his colleagues, PM says
Mr Morrison said he was glad Mr Porter was taking two weeks off for the sake of his mental health.
"I spoke to [Mr Porter] yesterday and I'm pleased that he's taking some time to get support to deal with what has obviously been a very traumatic series of events, as you'd appreciate," he said.
"He's getting that support, as well as the support of his colleagues, as he takes that time.
"I'm looking forward to him returning to his duties once that period of leave is completed."
Earlier, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he also stood by Mr Porter.
"The police are the only body that are authorised to deal with such serious criminal matters," he said.
"Yesterday you saw an emphatic denial from Christian Porter … in the glare of the nation's media and the glare of the Australian public.
"He's entitled to the presumption of innocence, as any citizen in this country is entitled.
Cabinet colleague Peter Dutton praised Mr Porter for fronting the media yesterday, telling Nine Radio "he held up as best he could".
"He is a first class act and he demonstrated that yesterday," Mr Dutton said.
"The way he handled himself yesterday was quite remarkable and a great credit to the strength of his character."
Labor continues call for inquiry
Earlier on Thursday, Labor's Penny Wong said she agreed with Mr Porter that "trial by media" was not the way the matter should be scrutinised.
"The reality is unless there is some form of investigation, some form of process that gives Australians confidence in the first law officer, these questions will continue," she said.
"It is a matter for the Prime Minister. He is responsible for the membership of the Cabinet and he is responsible for all of us, for ensuring Australians that everyone in that Cabinet is a fit and proper person for the office they hold."
Senator Wong repeated Labor's call for an independent inquiry but said how or what form any inquiry should take would be a question for the Prime Minister.
"These are unprecedented circumstances."
SA Police has been given extra assistance from the coroner to continue its investigation into the woman's death.
A statement from state coroner David Whittle said: "Whilst SAPOL has provided information to me, I determined that the investigation is incomplete."
"This was particularly evident having regard to information contained in recent media reports.
"The investigation is continuing and once that investigation has been completed to my satisfaction, I shall determine whether to hold an inquest."
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