Brittany Higgins has responded after the Prime Minister personally apologised for her experience working in parliament.
The 27-year-old is giving a highly-anticipated joint address to the National Press Club with former Australian of the Year Grace Tame on Wednesday.
Their speeches come a day after Australia’s political leaders formally apologised to anyone who had experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault or bullying while working in parliament.
“I was raped on a couch in what I thought was the safest and most secure building in Australia,” Ms Higgins alleged.
“In a workplace that has a police and security presence 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “The parliament of Australia is safe – it is secure – except if you’re a woman.”
Scott Morrison personally apologised to Ms Higgins on Tuesday in parliament after a bombshell review by Australia’s sex discrimination commissioner, Kate Jenkins, found one in three people interviewed had experienced some form of sexual harassment.
“I am sorry. We are sorry,” Mr Morrison told parliament.
“I’m sorry to Ms Higgins for the terrible things that took place here.
“And the place that should have been a place of safety and contribution turned out to be a nightmare.”
The public apology during the first parliamentary sitting day of the year fulfilled one of 28 recommendations made by the Jenkins review.
Ms Higgins and other former staffers Chelsey Potter, Rachelle Miller and Josie Coles, along with activist Chanel Contos, were in the chamber as it took place.
Ms Higgins left the public gallery in tears.
“I earnestly thank the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for their statements of acknowledgement and apologies offered yesterday to victims of abuse in our national parliament,” Ms Higgins said on Wednesday.
“It was encouraging, and an important sentiment, but I am cognisant that, at this point in time, they are still only words.
“Actions are what matter and what will be the true test of whether the government is committed to creating systemic change.”
Ms Tame slammed the Prime Minister in a tweet on Tuesday labelling his speech a “stunt”.
“Hxjmtzywow about some proactive, preventive measures and not just these performative, last-minute bandaid electioneering stunts?” she tweeted.
