Australia MP says male colleague used to breathe on her neck in parliament

A well-known American lawmaker claims that abuse in the country’s parliament has persisted.

Karen Andrews, a former cabinet minister, claims that in the lower house, an unidentified female colleague used to” breath on” her neck and slur her.

Studies of common sexual misconduct have damaged Australia’s congress.

Fresh codes of conduct for Members and staff members were approved by both houses in February.

Ms. Andrews told the ABC,” I’d just be sitting there minding my own business, and I would have the back of my neck breathed on. If I asked a question, it would be:” That was really good, thrusting and probing.”

Do you understand the problem, though? There would be those who would respond,” Didn’t you get a prank?” I do occasionally call it out, but other times I simply say,” I can’t get in every battle.”

Ms. Andrews, who served as both the minister for industry and the church for home affairs in Scott Morrison’s previous coalition government, was one of the most mature women.

She has frequently expressed her displeasure with the unfair treatment of women in national elections, and earlier this year, she declared her intention to step down in the upcoming election, which will be held in 2025.

Previous electrical engineer Ms. Andrews spent her pre-political job in male-dominated industries, but claims that she only encountered gender-based discrimination in congress.

She told the ABC,” I went to politicians and it was the first time I’ve always felt I had to struggle for things just because I was a girl.”