A report commissioned by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison found that one in three people working inside the Australian parliament have experienced sexual harassment.

The report published on Tuesday detailed the findings of an independent inquiry into parliamentary workplace culture.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison had ordered the report in February following criticism of his party’s handling of an alleged rape inside the building.

The accusations brought forward by Brittany Higgins, 26, sparked outrage across the country.

This led to tens of thousands of people marching against a culture of sexism and misogyny in Australian politics and triggered the investigation.

Morrison called the findings “appalling” and “disturbing” but added, “I wish I found them more surprising”.

It’s almost been a week since the #March4Justice protests and I wanted to acknowledge all the women and men who took time out from their busy lives to advocate for a safer, more equitable Australia. Truly, from the bottom of my heart thank-you.

📷: @mpbowers & @DomLorrimer pic.twitter.com/zVariIWYdh

1,723 individuals and 33 organisations took part in the widespread investigation into improper behaviour.

More than half of respondents (51%) reported they had experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment, bullying or actual or attempted sexual assault.

It also found one in three people working in parliament had experienced some form of sexual harassment.

One person shared in the report that an MP had “grabbed” them and “stuck his tongue down” their throat while others laughed.

Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

“Such experiences leave a trail of devastation for individuals and their teams and undermine the performance of our parliament to the nation’s detriment,” the report said.

28 recommendations were made based on the findings, including greater gender balance among both lawmakers and their staff, new alcohol policies and the creation of a new human resources office to deal with complaints.

Related posts:

Catalan separatists pardoned by Spanish PM looking for ‘reconciliation’ Why India is concerned about ‘Delta plus’ variant and a third wave – as 41 cases detected in UK Missing toddler found alive by journalist sent to cover disappearance China shuts down city of 9.3 million over 17 COVID cases – as it rejects call for Wuhan lab investigation Yellow Wiggle to quit children’s music group after 11 years Stunning pictures show inside otherworldly ice caves appearing in the Austrian Alps Brazil’s president should face homicide charges over 95,000 COVID-19 deaths, draft report finds Russian aircraft ‘buzzed’ Royal Navy aircraft carrier, says defence minister, as sea search continues for ditched stealth fighter ‘It’s a crime’: Deforestation in Brazilian Amazon reaches highest level since 2006 Missing Chinese tennis player purportedly seen in video released by state media Players can protest about human rights at Qatar World Cup, says tournament boss Austria begins another national lockdown as COVD tightens its grip and protests spread across Europe