Thérèse Rein and Lucy Turnbull say nothing's changed on rape and sexual harassment in a generation

In joint appearance on ABC, two Australian prime ministerial spouses urge participation in Jenkins inquiry into parliamentary culture

Therese Rein has declared she is mad as hell" and incredulous" that Australian women continue to face the same risks of rape and sexual harassment that they faced a generation ago, calling for an independent complaints handling facility in parliament to protect political staff.

Guardian Australia reported on Wednesday that two prime ministerial spouses - Rein, wife of Kevin Rudd, and Lucy Turnbull, wife of Malcolm Turnbull - had backed a push by a bipartisan group of staff seeking to ensure their contributions to the looming Jenkins inquiry into parliamentary culture remained confidential.