It’s been a monumental week in parliament. Multiple allegations of sexual harassment have been made about a little-known Victorian senator, David Van. David Van has strenuously denied the allegations. But since they surfaced, a week ago, discussion about who knew about the alleged offences, and how they were managed, has dominated political debate.

It’s taken us all back to the political earthquake that was set off in 2021, when former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleged that a colleague had raped her in a Parliamentary office.

And now, it begs us to ask one vital question. Just how unsafe is parliament house, for women?

Today, national affairs editor James Massola and federal political reporter Lisa Visentin on how politicians and journalists treat the rumours they hear in the corridors of parliament.

It’s been a monumental week in parliament. Multiple allegations of sexual harassment have been made about a little-known Victorian senator, David Van. David Van has strenuously denied the allegations. But since they surfaced, a week ago, discussion about who knew about the alleged offences, and how they were managed, has dominated political debate.
It’s taken us all back to the political earthquake that was set off in 2021, when former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleged that a colleague had raped her in a Parliamentary office.
And now, it begs us to ask one vital question. Just how unsafe is parliament house, for women?
Today, national affairs editor James Massola and federal political reporter Lisa Visentin on how politicians and journalists treat the rumours they hear in the corridors of parliament.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

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