“The ANMF has listened to the extraordinary conversations in our Federal Parliament over the last couple of weeks in relation to the alleged sexual assault allegations made by Brittany Higgins and the use of her personal texts.

As the largest predominantly female union in the country, the ANMF is gravely concerned at the manner in which this matter is being used as an opportunity for political ‘point scoring’, without any consideration for the woman at the centre of the allegations.  

Ms Higgins has already sustained a psychological injury. 

The manner in which the Coalition has continued to raise this in Parliament, and the language they use, risks harming not only Ms Higgins, but also so many other women who have experienced sexual assault. 

The disrespect shown to Ms Higgins will only serve to discourage many women from reporting assaults.  

The ANMF believes that Parliamentarians have a duty not to behave in such a reckless manner in a case where their actions can cause such injury and distress to an individual and the broader community.   

Further allegations of sexual harassment by politicians in Parliament House raised by Senator Thorpe and former Senator Stoker in recent days, emphasise the increasingly urgent need for all women to be better protected in their workplace and for their allegations never to be politicised.”

The ANMF, with over 321,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.

ANMF statement authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne. 

ANMF media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390