Brittany Higgins, in her first public speech since returning to public life, warned of a 'concerted pushback' against the #MeToo movement and urged the Albanese Labor government to 'transform' how sexual assault is handled in Australia. Speaking in Geelong, she criticized the backlash as well-funded and embedded in institutions, citing media coverage of her own case and global examples. She called on Attorney General Michelle Rowland to support the Australian Law Reform Commission's recommendations for justice responses to sexual violence, emphasizing the need for meaningful reform.
Brittany Higgins warns of #MeToo backlash and urges Labor to ‘transform’ how Australia handles sexual assault
#MeToo movementAustralian politicsViolence against women and girlsLabor partySexual consentSexual harassment
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️
Brittany Higgins, in her first public speech since returning to public life, warned of a 'concerted pushback' against the #MeToo movement and urged the Albanese Labor government to 'transform' how sexual assault is handled in Australia. Speaking in Geelong, she criticized the backlash as well-funded and embedded in institutions, citing media coverage of her own case and global examples. She called on Attorney General Michelle Rowland to support the Australian Law Reform Commission's recommendations for justice responses to sexual violence, emphasizing the need for meaningful reform.
Trending- 1 2017: The #MeToo movement began in the United States.
- 2 2021: The #MeToo movement peaked in Australia, coinciding with Higgins going public with her allegations.
- 3 March 2025: The Australian Law Reform Commission's review into justice responses to sexual violence was tabled. Frederick, Higgins' son, was born.
- 4 Earlier this week (early June 2025): Higgins announced her return to the workforce with PR agency Third Hemisphere.
- 5 Thursday, June 5, 2025: Higgins delivered her keynote address at the 'Conversations That Matter' event in Geelong.
- Increased public awareness and debate regarding the #MeToo backlash and the need for sexual assault reform in Australia.
- Potential pressure on the Labor government to act on the Australian Law Reform Commission's recommendations.
- Continued scrutiny of media coverage and institutional responses to sexual violence.
What: Brittany Higgins delivered a keynote address warning of an orchestrated 'backlash' against the #MeToo movement and advocating for significant reforms in Australia's approach to sexual assault.
When: Keynote address delivered on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The #MeToo movement began in the United States in 2017 and peaked in Australia in 2021. The Australian Law Reform Commission's report was tabled in March 2025.
Where: Geelong, Australia. Higgins' allegations of rape occurred inside Parliament House.
Why: Higgins aims to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by victim-survivors, counter the growing backlash against the #MeToo movement, and pressure the Australian Labor government to implement comprehensive reforms in sexual assault justice responses.
How: Through a keynote address at the 'Conversations That Matter' event, Higgins publicly articulated her concerns and calls for action, which were subsequently reported by the media.