Australian Human Rights Commission

Australia has allowed a sexist culture to fester inside its parliament, a prominent lawmaker has told AFP, as sexual assault allegations again ring through the country's halls of power.

Australia launched a national inquiry into workplace sexual harassment Wednesday, in a sign governments are beginning to respond to a global issue highlighted by the massive #MeToo movement.

Deposed Australian prime minister Tony Abbott declared today "cultures are not all equal" and the West should proclaim its superiority over Islam, sparking accusations he is trying to "Trumpify" the nation's politics.

Australia has allowed a sexist culture to fester inside its parliament, a prominent lawmaker has told AFP, as sexual assault allegations again ring through the country's halls of power.

Australia launched a national inquiry into workplace sexual harassment Wednesday, in a sign governments are beginning to respond to a global issue highlighted by the massive #MeToo movement.

Deposed Australian prime minister Tony Abbott declared today "cultures are not all equal" and the West should proclaim its superiority over Islam, sparking accusations he is trying to "Trumpify" the nation's politics.