Labor member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said on social media that she had to close the Yeppoon Central Shopping Centre electorate office in Central Queensland due to “several threatening and offensive safety concerns”.
“The safety of my staff is absolutely my number one priority,” the post said.
“The Keppel Electorate Office staff are two hardworking and passionate women public servants; employed to provide support and advice to the public.
“I will not tolerate threatening or harassing behaviour and as such, the office will remain closed until further notice.”
Lauga said the office was closed after a request from the Queensland Parliamentary Services.
Staff are working remotely and locals were still able to contact the office to receive support by phone or email.
“I’m the politician.. people can have a go at me all they like.. I’m used to it! But leave my staff, family and friends alone,” Lauga added in a comment on the post.
The threats come after Lauga alleged she ingested a substance without her consent, which impacted her “significantly”, on April 28.
She went to the Yeppoon Police Station and Yeppoon Hospital after the incident.
A police investigation is ongoing.
Queensland members of parliament and senators supported Lauga in the comments of the Facebook post.
“Your staff, and you, work hard for your community and you all deserve to be treated with decency and respect,” Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Ali King said.
Transport Minister Mark Baily said it was appalling to hear.
“Please pass on my best wishes to them for all their hard work,” Baily said on Facebook.
“People should always be treated with respect.”
