A Queensland MP who was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted has been forced to close her constituency office and contact police amid concerns for the safety of her staff.
Keppel MP Brittany Lauga took to social media on Tuesday to announce her constituency office in Yeppoon, central Queensland, will remain closed “as a result of a number of threatening and offensive security concerns from the public”.
The alleged threats towards Lauga staff were reported to police, and CCTV, emails and voicemails were handed over to officers.
Lauga, 37, said the decision to close his office was made to protect staff.
‘The safety of my staff is absolutely my number one priority. “As a result of several threatening and offensive security concerns by the public, the Keppel Electorate Office is closed,” she wrote.
Queensland Labor MP Brittany Lauga’s (pictured) electoral office remains closed after her staff received threatening and offensive messages.
Lauga said the two women working in the office will work remotely, however locals living in the electorate can still contact the office if they need help or support.
‘The Keppel Electoral Office staff consists of two passionate and hard-working public servants; employees to provide support and advice to the public,” she said.
“I will not tolerate threatening or harassing behavior and as such the office will remain closed until further notice.”
Lauga added in the comments of her Facebook post: “I’m the politician… people can try on me all they want… I’m used to it!”
‘But leave my staff, my family and my friends alone!’
A Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that officers are aware of the incident and are making inquiries.
Lauga, 37 (pictured), said he would not tolerate threatening behavior directed towards his staff and said their safety is his 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.
Lauga’s Facebook post was inundated 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 is appalling to hear that your staff are being threatened, harassed and abused.”
Queensland Parliamentary Clerk Neil Laurie, who oversees the administration of electoral offices in the state, 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 electoral office located in Yeppoon in central Queensland (pictured) will be closed until further notice.
Staff working in the elections office (pictured) will work remotely; however, locals can still contact the office for assistance and support.
Laurie said staff were ordered to work from home and their attendance would be closely monitored.
James Ashby, the One Nation candidate contesting the Keppel seat, said the move to close the electoral office will affect residents who want to raise concerns in person.
“There is no excuse for the Keppel electoral office to be closed to walk-in voters,” he told mail.
The move to close the electoral office comes less than a month after Lauga filed a police complaint over allegations that 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, which appeared to show her in intimate contact with a man.
A video filmed by passers-by. It showed a man and the Labor MP, in the car park in Yeppoon town centre. in front of a nearby hotel.
The allegations are still being investigated by police.
Lauga (pictured) alleged she was drugged and sexually assaulted last month. Police investigations into the allegations continue
