Australian defense minister hospitalized amid parliament rape investigation
24 February, 2021
Australia's security minister was admitted to medical center with a cardiovascular condition and put on medical leave Wednesday, the federal government said.
Linda Reynolds -- who's currently embroiled in an investigation in to the alleged rape of a staffer simply by a colleague in her parliamentary business office -- has been treated for a "pre-existing condition" her ministry said.
"As a good precautionary measure, minister Reynolds offers this morning been admitted to a good Canberra Hospital," the assertion read, adding she "will need an interval of medical leave".
Reynolds had been because of answer issues from journalists at the National Press Golf club later Wednesday, as well the young staffer, Brittany Higgins, is because of make a good formal complaint to law enforcement.
Questions have been raised about whether Reynolds responded properly to the alleged assault, with some critics contacting her to resign.
Health Minister Greg Hunt rejected suggestions Reynolds is ducking consumer scrutiny, saying she have been "desperate" to help make the appearance but was forced to produce a "reluctant decision never to do it".
Reynolds can be at the center of fraught negotiations with French submarine maker Naval, as Australia attempts to go more production onshore.
The group's CEO Pierre Eric Pommellet happens to be in Australia to go over the next step in one of Australia's largest-ever defense deals.
Shadow minister for defense Brendan O'Connor said there have been "serious questions about the competency of the minister", claiming she misled parliament about the response to the rape allegations and had taken her eyesight off the ball.
"She needs to give attention to this major contract, this critical agreement for our national protection," he told Sky Reports.
Foreign minister Marise Payne will need up the defense portfolio over an interim basis.
Source: japantoday.com
TAG(s):