Two cabinet ministers have refused to be drawn on the specifics of sexual harassment allegations raised by ex-Liberal MP Julia Banks.
Ms Banks alleges she was bullied by members of the party and received an unwanted sexual advance from a senior minister during her time in parliament.
She quit the Liberal Party after Malcolm Turnbull was overthrown in 2018 and left politics the following year.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton, who mounted the leadership challenge against Mr Turnbull, played down the allegations.
He emphasised the claims were contained in a book the ex-Liberal MP released this week.
“Julia has been and I presume still is very good friends with both Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop,” Mr Dutton told 2GB radio.
“I have had very little to do with Julia during her time in parliament and there are others who have made comments as to the veracity of her claims.
“There’s a book promotion going on and I don’t really seek to add to it.”
Disability Minister Linda Reynolds, who has a chequered recent history in relation to the treatment of women, said she was shocked and surprised by the claims raised by Ms Banks.
“Everybody who works in that building – whether you’re a member of parliament, whether you’re a staff member – everybody needs to and should feel safe and respected in the workplace,” she told ABC radio.
Senator Reynolds dismissed suggestions the prime minister should call Ms Banks, find out who was responsible for the sexual harassment and investigate.
Ms Banks has publicly declined to reveal who was involved.
“She has been asked that question and she has made the decision not to reveal that information and I respect her right not to,” Senator Reynolds said.
Earlier this year, Brittany Higgins came forward with allegations she was raped by a colleague while working for Senator Reynolds.
The minister was forced to apologise after holding a meeting with Ms Higgins in the same office she was allegedly raped.
She was again force to apologise after telling staff Ms Higgins was a “lying cow” in reference to something that was published.
“I have willingly and genuinely apologised both publicly and privately to Brittany and I have also financially settled with her several months ago on that matter,” Senator Reynolds said.
“I have also made a comprehensive statement to the AFP in relation to their investigation of her allegations.”
By Daniel McCulloch in Canberra, AAP
