Australian lawmaker Brittany Lauga has alleged that she was drugged and sexually assaulted in the central Queensland town of Yeppoon. Sharing a statement on her Instagram handle, Lauga said on Sunday (May 5) that she went to the Yeppoon police station and a hospital in the town after being drugged and sexually assaulted last weekend. Lauga, 37, said that a police investigation was underway.

“Tests at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in my body which I did not take. This substance impacted me significantly,” she added. “I have been contacted by other women who may also have been drugged in Yeppoon on Saturday night,” the Queensland lawmaker further said.

Lauga said that such an incident could have happened to anyone and tragically, “It does happen to many of us.” The lawmaker pointed out that multiple women who experienced the same thing in Yeppoon reached out to her. 

“It’s not ok. We should be able to enjoy socialising in our town without the risk of being drugged or assaulted,” the 37-year-old said in the post.

The Queensland Police Service confirmed that it was investigating a sexual assault complaint relating to an incident in Yeppoon last Sunday. Meanwhile, Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the government was supporting Lauga in any way it could.

“No one should have to go through what Brittany is going through. My sole focus is on Brittany and her well-being. I’ve told Brittany that we’re here to support her, whatever she needs,” Miles said.

(With inputs from agencies)