Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says she has received information regarding what she calls a “disturbing and very serious allegation of a criminal nature” against a senior member of the government.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday afternoon, Ms Hanson-Young urged the Prime Minister to take action over the allegations.
“The information that I was given and that I forwarded to the police is the same information that the Prime Minister has. He needs to make a judgement as to what he will do,” she said.
"The Prime Minister needs to say something and he needs to do something.
“It is only right that the Prime Minister makes sure that this isn't swept under the carpet, and that he acts to ensure the integrity of his government.
"We can't have a situation where such a horrific allegation of rape is levelled against a senior member of his government and no one does anything.”
Labor Senator Penny Wong has also confirmed she received an anonymous letter relating to an allegation of rape.
Sarah Hanson-Young has urged the Prime Minister to take action over the allegations. Source: AAP
In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, Senator Wong said she first became aware of the allegation when she ran into the complainant in Adelaide in November 2019.
“The complainant made an allegation that she had been raped many years earlier by a person who is now a senior member of the Federal Government. She indicated she intended to report the matter to NSW Police,” she said.
“I said that making a report to the appropriate authorities was the right thing to do. I facilitated her referral to rape support services and confirmed she was being supported in reporting the matter to NSW Police.
“The death of the woman who made this allegation is a tragedy, and devastating for everyone who knew and loved her. The woman, and her family and friends, have been in my thoughts throughout.”
Both senators have referred the letters to the Australia Federal Police (AFP).
Federal government frontbencher Simon Birmingham said the matter should be left to police.
"Everybody is entitled to natural justice and it's important to back the police to do their job," he said during a Saturday press conference in Adelaide.
"We back the police to do their job in this and every other instance.
"I don't wish to see anybody lose their rights to natural justice."
NSW Police says the correspondence relates to a report of allegations of historical sexual violence received in February last year.
Its investigation was suspended when the 49-year-old woman at the centre of the allegations died.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison released a statement on Friday night saying, “any allegations of this nature made to anybody - whether they’re parliamentarians or journalists - should be referred to the AFP".
The AFP issued a statement on Saturday saying it has received a complaint relating to an historical sexual assault and will liaise with relevant state authorities.
"Further enquiries can be directed to the New South Wales Police Force," it said.
"The AFP will not be making further comment."
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit .
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