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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has responded to Congress by Minister of Education Alan Tudge against allegations of abuse by former media adviser Rachel Miller, but stands in the position of minister during an independent review process. He said he agreed to retire.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, Tudge said he would use the review process to provide evidence to refute Miller’s allegations.
“I completely and completely reject Mr. Miller’s accusations,” Tudge said, an Australian in News Corp. reported.
“It was publicly acknowledged that we both reached an agreement in 2017. This is what I deeply regret. At that time, we were both married and that was wrong. It contributed to the end of my marriage that year. “
Miller, who told the media at the Capitol earlier Thursday, said in the 2017 case she was emotional and once physically abused, and reached an agreement but “complex.”
“I’m fully aware that a year ago I said that my relationship with Minister Alan Tudge was consensual, but it’s more complicated,” News.com.au reported.
“I was very embarrassed, very humiliated, very scared, and very tired. I said I was able to manage a small part of my story.”
Miller claimed that Tudge was angry and violently reacted after Tudge answered the phone in the hotel room around 4 am after drinking heavy drinking during one trip to Kalgoorlie.
She then said she had been called by a media producer about the story she had lined up, claiming she was “screaming” because his sleep was disturbed before Tudge was kicked out of the hotel room.
Miller said her statement was “not about revenge,” but asked voters in Tudge’s constituency to hold him accountable in the 2022 federal elections.
“I’m looking forward to the Aston people who will hold Minister Tudge accountable in the elections. Keep this in mind when voting,” she said, News.com.au reported.
“Or, the prime minister may take some leadership before that, because it is his job to hold his minister to explain their unacceptable behavior.
Morrison said Miller’s statement was deeply concerned and the problem was painful for Miller, Tudge and his family.
“I discussed the statement of Miss Miller with Minister Tudge, who refuted the allegations made,” Morrison told Congress.
“But given the seriousness of these claims made by Miss Miller, it is important that these issues be resolved fairly and promptly.
Morrison said Tudge agreed with his request to “stand aside” while the Prime Minister’s Office dealt with the issue “through an independent and fair process.”
“I took responsibility for the consensual case that shouldn’t have happened years ago. But Mr. Miller’s claim was wrong and didn’t happen, and her own writing to me. It is inconsistent with the words.
“I regret having to say these things. I don’t want Mr. Miller to get sick, but I need to protect myself in the light of these claims. But I refuse it.
Tudge said he would provide written evidence inconsistent with Miller’s claim to an independent review, welcoming the process and “cooperating in all ways.”
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Caden Pearson is an Australian-based reporter with a background in screen writing and documentary. Contact him at [email protected]
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