Queensland MP says she was drugged and sexually assaulted on evening out in her constituency | EUROtoday

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Police in Australia have launched an investigation after Queensland MP Brittany Lauga claimed she was drugged and sexually assaulted.

The assistant well being minister stated she was assaulted on an evening out in her constituency of Yeppoon, central Queensland.

Ms Lauga,37, posted a press release on social media, saying she went to the police and the hospital on the morning of 28 April following the incident.

“Tests at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in my body which I did not take. This substance impacted me significantly. A police investigation is underway,” she stated.

Ms Lauga stated for the reason that assault she had been contacted by different girls who alleged they had been additionally drugged on the identical evening.

“This could have happened to anyone and tragically, it does happen to many of us,” she stated.

“It’s not ok. We should be able to enjoy socialising in our town without the risk of being drugged or assaulted.”

Queensland Police are investigating a sexual assault criticism concerning an incident in Yeppoon, the power confirmed in a press release to Australia Associated Press.

Officers are “aware of claims of similar incidents”, the power stated, urging anybody who has had their drink spiked or skilled one thing much like report back to the authorities.

Ms Lauga stated she would take “time to physically and emotionally heal” and requested for privateness whereas they sought needed help.

“Thank you to everybody who has reached out to me in help. I really worth your considerate messages, gestures and kindness.”

Ms Lauga has been a member of parliament for nearly 10 years since first being elected to the seat of Keppel in 2015.

Queensland premier Steven Miles said he has extended his support to Ms Lauga. “No one should have to go through what Brittany is going through,” he said in a statement.

“My sole focus is on Brittany and her wellbeing. I’ve told Brittany that we’re here to support her, whatever she needs.”

Queensland housing minister Meaghan Scanlon called the allegations “horrifying”.

“Brittany is a colleague, she is a pal, she is a younger girl within the Queensland parliament and these are actually surprising issues to learn,” Ms Scanlon said.

“It is unacceptable that ladies are disproportionately the victims of home, household and sexual violence. Our authorities goes to proceed to do every little thing we are able to to guard girls and cease violence from occurring.”

There has been a recent spate of gender-based violence in Australia, prompting prime minister Anthony Albanese to brand domestic violence a “nationwide disaster”.

Last month, six individuals, 5 of them girls, had been stabbed to demise by Joel Cuachi at a Sydney buying centre. The New South Wales police stated that it was “obvious” that the suspect targeted on attacking girls.