Tasmanian MP Sue Hickey accuses Senator Eric Abetz of "slut-shaming" over comments he made about Brittany Higgins

Tasmania's House of Assembly speaker Sue Hickey used parliamentary privilege to make a statement on a discussion she had with Senator Abetz earlier this month on two alleged rape incidents linked to Australian Parliament.

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This included the alleged rape of Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins and historical rape allegations against Attorney-General Christian Porter.

The comments have been labelled by the senator as defamatory and have been categorically denied.

"Allegations of rape are serious matters and have always been treated as such by me," Senator Abetz said.

"Sexual assault is an issue on which I've been consistently outspoken including domestic violence.

"I reject outright her suggestions and gross mischaracterisation of our discussion."

The discussion Ms Hickey recounted alleged Senator Abetz told her the law would protect Mr Porter against the allegation as the woman who had accused him of the act was dead.

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"He then said as for that Higgins girl, anybody who is so disgustingly drunk, who would sleep with anybody, could have slept with one of our spies and put the security of our nation at risk," she said.

"My immediate thoughts were 'what if that girl's drink was spiked?' and even if she was drunk, wouldn't a caring man see that she got home safely.

"I say to the senator on this matter: Ms Higgins did not choose to sleep with this man. She was raped."

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Ms Hickey said she accepted the senator had deeply held views, but they were not endorsed by the wider community who viewed his judgment as "slut-shaming".

Senator Abetz accused Ms Hickey of trying to destroy the party after she was told she would not be re-endorsed to run as a Liberal in the next state election.

After Senator Abetz's statement was released, Ms Hickey in the afternoon addressed the issue again in Parliament.

"Senator Eric Abetz has publicly accused me of making false allegations, in other words lying, about his comments," she said.

"Instead, he suggested I made the statement out of revenge.

"As can be expected by Senator Abetz, he has responded with denial and very grubby politics.

"I am highly offended by this misleading and mischievous commentary.

"This is why the women of Australia are angry. This is why they do not speak out."

Ms Hickey said she had witnesses who could testify that she had told them about the discussion immediately afterwards.

She said she had discussed the matter with senior members of the party.

"His spiteful accusations today cannot be used as an excuse or distraction," Ms Hickey said.

"I call on him to be honest and apologise for his misogynistic views, no matter how deeply he believes in them."

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