The Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, is calling on the Federal Government to debate a private member’s bill to amend the Sex Discrimination Act to ensure sexual harassment is illegal in all workplaces.

Currently Members of Parliament, judges and other statutory appointees are not liable for sexual harassment that occurs in their workplace.

Ms Sharkie wrote on her Facebook page, “In light of the public conversation in recent weeks, closing this loophole would be a sensible first step.”

Ms Sharkie attended Monday’s March4Justice rally at Parliament House with her crossbench colleague, Zali Steggall, who has introduced the bill to Parliament.

They listened to a speech by Brittany Higgins, the former Liberal staffer whose rape allegations began a national discussion about rape and sexual harassment.

Ms Sharkie was herself a Liberal staffer before standing for Parliament against her former boss Jamie Briggs, in 2016. 

March4Justice rallies were held across Australia on Sunday and Monday with women from the Fleurieu travelling to the Adelaide based rally in Victoria Square. 

A small rally was also held in Kingscote.