Australia’s Prime Minister Demotes Lawmakers as Fallout From Scandals Deepens

SYDNEY—Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison demoted two senior lawmakers as he tried using to comprise the political fallout from scandals that assisted to provide tens of thousands of females out to protest the government’s handling of sexual-assault allegations.

Mr. Morrison explained he would enhance the selection of females in his management staff and would lead a process drive with international minister Marise Payne to form policy on women’s concerns, such as basic safety and equality.

The new 23-member cabinet will include seven females, up from 6 females in the former 22-person management staff. Mr. Morrison also dedicated to selling much more females to other govt roles.

Christian Porter will be eradicated from his situation as attorney basic, although Linda Reynolds will be eradicated as protection minister, Mr. Morrison explained in a push meeting. The two will continue being in the cabinet, in lesser roles. The improvements stick to a crisis inside of the govt that has cast a spotlight on the country’s politics and handling of harassment and sexual-assault issues.

Mr. Porter is accused of committing rape 33 many years ago, an allegation that he denies. Mr. Porter has explained he was 17 in 1988 when the rape is alleged to have taken spot, and only briefly realized the complainant. He explained she was sixteen at the time. The allegation was documented in February by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, or ABC, without naming Mr. Porter, before the attorney basic recognized himself as the accused.