A Queensland MP who was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted has been forced to close her electorate office and contact police amid concerns for the safety of her staff.
Keppel MP Brittany Lauga announced on social media on Tuesday that her electoral office in Yeppoon, Central Queensland, will remain closed “as a result of several threatening and offensive security concerns from members of the public”.
The alleged threats against Ms Lauga’s staff were reported to police, with CCTV footage, emails and voicemails handed over to officers.
Ms Lauga, 37, said the decision to close her office was made to protect staff.
“The safety of my staff is absolutely my first priority. Due to several threatening and offensive citizen security concerns, Keppel electoral office has been closed,” she wrote.
Queensland Labor MP Brittany Lauga’s (pictured) electorate remains closed after her staff received threatening and offensive messages
Ms Lauga said the two female staff members working in the office will work remotely, but locals living in the electorate can still contact the office if they require assistance or support.
“The Keppel Electorate Office staff consists of two hardworking and passionate female civil servants; deployed to provide support and advice to the public,” she said.
‘I will not tolerate threatening or intimidating behavior and therefore the office will remain closed until further notice.’
Ms Lauga added in the comments on her Facebook post: “I am the politician. People can attack me all they want. I’m used to it!
“But leave my staff, family and friends alone!”
A Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that officers are aware of the incident and are investigating.
Ms Lauga, 37 (pictured) said she would not tolerate the threatening behavior towards her staff and said their safety is her priority
The Keppel MP took to social media on Tuesday to upload a statement (pictured), informing her constituents that the electoral office had been closed
Ms. Lauga’s Facebook post was flooded with hundreds of supportive comments from locals and state and federal politicians.
“Everyone deserves to be safe at work,” wrote Labor Senator Nita Green.
Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey added: ‘It’s appalling to hear that your staff are being threatened, harassed and abused
The Clerk of the Queensland Parliament, Neil Laurie, who oversees the administration of the state’s electoral offices, said the alleged threats against staff were concerning.
“Electoral office staff have the right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times,” he said.
‘They have the right to a safe workplace and the right to feel safe.’
The Yeppoon electoral office in Central Queensland (pictured) is closed until further notice
Employees working at the electoral office (pictured) will work remotely, but locals can still contact the office to request help and support
Mr Laurie said staff had been instructed to work from home and their attendance would be closely monitored.
James Ashby, the One Nation candidate contesting the seat of Keppel, said the move to close the electorate office will impact residents who want to raise their concerns in person.
“There is no excuse for closing the Keppel electorate to walk-in voters,” he told the newspaper Courier mail.
The decision to close the electoral office comes less than a month after Ms Lauga filed a police complaint over allegations she was drugged and sexually assaulted on April 28.
She claimed she was sexually assaulted after a Snapchat video was widely circulated on social media showing her having intimate contact with a man.
A video filmed by bystanders showed a man and the Labor MP in the Yeppoon Town Center car park opposite a nearby hotel.
The allegations are still being investigated by police.
Ms Lauga (pictured) claimed she was drugged and sexually assaulted last month. The police investigation into the claims continues
