Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell has levelled shocking allegations of sexual harassment within the Victorian Parliament, bravely detailing a series of inappropriate incidents she endured from a male colleague.
Explosive Allegations in Parliament
During an emotional upper house debate, the high-profile MP revealed she received late night messages and uninvited visits to her office from a fellow male MP. Purcell described how the situation escalated after she made a formal complaint about the behaviour.
"Once word got out about my complaint, I was slut shamed in the parliamentary halls by my colleagues," Purcell told parliament, highlighting the retaliatory culture she faced after speaking out.
Pattern of Inappropriate Behaviour
The Victorian MP disclosed this wasn't her first experience with harassment in political workplaces. She recounted a disturbing incident from six years ago when working as a political staffer.
"I bent over to get something from the fridge and he remarked to me in my member of parliament's office, 'if you do that again, I won't be responsible for what happens next'," Purcell revealed to parliament.
This represents just one of many examples of inappropriate behaviour that have occurred within the parliamentary building according to Purcell's testimony.
Broader Workplace Safety Concerns
The parliamentary debate heard from two other MPs who came forward with their own experiences of being stalked, indicating wider problems with workplace safety and conduct within Victoria's political institutions.
Purcell's formal complaint has been officially reported, bringing renewed attention to the urgent need for cultural change in Australian political workplaces. The allegations have sparked serious questions about the protection of staff and MPs within the Victorian Parliament's walls.
