Watch Dhanya’s full interview 8:30pm tonight on SBS VICELAND
One of two women who allege they were sexually assaulted by colleagues in the Liberal Party has called on the Prime Minister to meet with her.
On Tuesday, Dhanya Mani and Chelsey Potter went public with two separate allegations of assault by senior staffers, which occurred when both worked for the Party.
Neither woman chose to take their allegations to police. In an interview with The Feed, Dhanya says attempts she made to address the incident within her party broke down.
"You do everything right, you keep things confidential, you try to be the loyal party member.
"But then there's no response, there's no follow up and eventually they hope you just forget about it, or that literally you are so worn down ... that you realise that it isn't an option in the framework of that political party to say something."
Frustrated at by what she saw as a lack of action, Dhanya’s now speaking out on the "toxic" culture that allowed this behaviour to occur.
She says the current response mechanisms are crushing the next generation of political leaders.
"They wonder why they don't have a high amount of women who are interested in running for political office?! It's because of this!"
"I just couldn't stand not doing more. "
Dhanya and Chelsey have started their own not for profit, to create an online safe space for other assault survivors to share their stories: changingourheadline.com
She's been overwhelmed by the sheer number of responses the page has already received.
"I think this is the tip of the iceberg," she said.
The number of individuals who I am aware of who have experienced some form of inappropriate conduct is astonishing.
It's understood the website has already heard from staffers from state and federal offices, across the political spectrum.
Harassment allegations concern campaign managers, senior staffers, and those very active in the political sphere. She says there has also been numerous alleged cases of bullying, sexual violence and discrimination, that she claims have been actively suppressed.
But Dhanya saved her strongest criticism for her fellow female Liberal Party members - in particular, Senator Michaelia Cash.
On Wednesday, Senator Cash claimed the Party "didn't have a problem with women."
"I would say to the parties concerned that they should be referred to the appropriate authorities," Senator Cash told reporters.
But it's this type of response from a senior female party figure that compels many survivors to not speak up, Dhanya told The Feed.
"To say to survivors [going to police] is the only option for them in seeking recourse - and if you do not seek that you lose all rights to be cared about, validated, to be treated like a person, respected - it's not okay."
Dhanya wants this problem tackled from the very top. She's urging Prime Minister Scott Morrison to meet with her and Chelsey.
"He is responsible for the culture that suppressed my voice."
Dhanya says the Prime Minister has not yet delivered on action promised after earlier (unrelated) reports of harassment and bullying.
"I want him to sit down with me and Chelsey, to hear what we have to say, and to create meaningful reform," she said.
"I'm not going anywhere and I will not be backing down."
"It's still not safe."
Dhanya warns that without swift and real action problems will continue to plague the party and deter young people -particularly women - from politics.
I really wish I could say that it's safe but I can't. It's devastating to realise that.
"It's still not safe for me, I can't say that it's safe for them."
Although the alleged perpetrators remain unnamed, Dhanya believes speaking out will impact her own future in politics.
"I had to accept that was going to be a likely cost."
But she says that won't deter her from seeking reform.
"I refuse to be silenced and shut out of my political involvement when my intention is to create change."
Official replies:
In a statement to The Feed a NSW Liberal Party spokesperson said: “Harassment and assault are completely unacceptable in any circumstances. When Ms Mani approached the Party with her serious allegation, she was offered support and encouraged to notify the appropriate authorities about it.
"The Liberal Party takes such allegations very seriously, and they need to be investigated by appropriate authorities.”
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told The Feed the allegations were 'deeply concerning and distressing'. We list the rest of the response in full:
These allegations are deeply concerning and distressing. We would encourage both individuals to contact the police so those claims can be investigated.
There is no place for any form of bullying, intimidation or sexual harassment in any workplace, and the Australian Parliament has strict protocols to eliminate or minimise the risks of such acts.
Electorate and personal staff are employed by their Senator or Member under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984. Under that act, employees who face workplace bullying and sexual harassment can have their claims heard and investigated on a confidential basis.
Where an incident occurs, staff or an employer can confidentially contact the Department of Finance to seek advice, request counselling, lodge a complaint, or request a formal investigation.
Where a crime has been committed, it should be referred to the police.
The Feed has requested comment from Senator Michaelia Cash.
