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Queensland MP Brittany Lauga closes electorate office after threats to staff

A Queensland Labor MP says her staff have been sent threats after she disclosed she was drugged and assaulted on a night out.

A woman in a red dress stands holding a piece of paper

Brittany Lauga said two female staff members at her office had been threatened on several occasions. Source: AAP / Jono Searle

This story contains reference to sexual assault

The top line: Queensland Labor MP Brittany Lauga has closed her electorate office due to her staff being threatened weeks after she said she was drugged and sexually assaulted.

The bigger picture: The Member for Keppel has revealed two female staff members at her office in Yeppoon, in central Queensland, have been threatened on several occasions.

As a result of the threats, the state's Parliamentary Services asked her to close the office.

The key quote: "It's not okay. We should be able to enjoy socialising in our town without the risk of being drugged or assaulted," Lauga said on 4 May.

Lauga disclosed she attended hospital and reported to police that she was allegedly drugged and assaulted on a night out in Yeppoon on 28 April.

What happens next: Queensland Police confirmed officers are investigating a sexual assault complaint regarding an incident in the regional town.

Officers are also aware of claims of similar incidents and urged anyone who has had their drink spiked or experienced something similar to formally report the matter to police.

Lauga has taken time away from parliament to recover from the alleged incident.

Read more: Police investigating after Queensland MP says she was drugged, sexually assaulted

If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence or sexual assault call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au

In an emergency, call 000.

Women from migrant and refugee backgrounds who are experiencing family or domestic violence can contact inTouch, the Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence on 1800 755 988 or visit intouch.org.au

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Source: AAP, SBS


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Queensland MP Brittany Lauga closes electorate office after threats to staff | SBS News