Two Australian cabinet ministers demoted after rape scandals
Al JazeeraMove comes amid a groundswell of public anger at the pervasive culture of bullying, harassment and sexual violence, notably in government. Christian Porter was sacked as attorney general on Monday, while Linda Reynolds lost her job as defence minister as Prime Minister Scott Morrison bowed to weeks of mounting public pressure over the scandal. During the reshuffle Morrison also announced a series of promotions for women, saying it was “the strongest-ever female representation in an Australian cabinet.” It remains to be seen whether the moves will be enough to quell a groundswell of public anger at the pervasive culture of bullying, harassment and sexual violence, notably in government. In the weeks since the rape allegations surfaced, Morrison’s coalition government has been rocked by a litany of new sex abuse and harassment complaints, including reports of lewd acts by male staff in parliament. A Newspoll public opinion survey in mid-March showed Morrison’s Liberal-led coalition trailing the centre-left Labor opposition by 52-48, while support for the prime minister dropped to 55 percent.
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Australia's leader makes Cabinet moves after sex scandals
The Independent
Scott Morrison moves Christian Porter, Linda Reynolds and Peter Dutton in Cabinet reshuffle
ABC
Australia Minister 'Sorry' for Calling Alleged Rape Victim a 'Lying Cow'
News 18
Christian Porter identifies himself as unnamed Cabinet minister and strenuously denies historical rape allegation
ABC
Police rule out investigating Australian Cabinet minister over rape allegations
The Independent
Scott Morrison insists Linda Reynolds will keep Defence ministry despite pressure over Brittany Higgins scandal
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