Senator calls for arts industry commission

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for a commission to be established to investigate claims of sexual harassment within the entertainment industry.

The federal government should establish an independent commission to investigate claims of sexual harassment within the media and entertainment industry, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says.

Following allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour made against actor Craig McLachlan, the senator said employees are left with no avenue of complaint if the allegation does not involve criminal misconduct.

"They can't rely on their bosses, they can't rely on the police, so they need somewhere else to turn," she said.

McLachlan is being investigated by Victorian police after allegations were made by three cast members from the 2014 production of the popular musical that he inappropriately touched them or exposed himself.

A woman and a man who worked as part of the crew have also gone to Victorian police.

McLachlan, 52, was performing in the Rocky Horror Show in Adelaide but agreed to withdraw from the production after the allegations emerged earlier this week.

Senator Hanson-Young proposed the commission would exist for as long as needed and police would become involved if a criminal act was found to have occurred.


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Source: AAP


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