Greens Senator David Shoebridge has called on the government to launch an independent review into the Epstein Files, which names a number of Australians.
Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy United States financier who moved in numerous circles before being arrested in 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors.
While awaiting trial, Epstein died in jail, but broader questions have remained around his connections and their relevance in the so-called “Epstein files,” a collection of documents relating to the criminal case.
“The Epstein files have named a number of prominent Australians, including politicians and business leaders, in connection with a convicted sex offender,” Shoebridge said.
“Appearing in these documents does not make someone guilty, but it does make independent scrutiny necessary.
“Having worked with survivors of sexual abuse, I understand how painful and re-traumatising this moment is for many people. I acknowledge their courage, and am guided by their demand for accountability and justice.”
Shoebridge said he believed an independent review was necessary to determine whether any conduct by Australians local laws, including child sexual abuse and trafficking laws.
“This review needs to have the trust of the Australian people who have been shocked by the way men, mostly men, in positions of authority and power have so blatantly abused that power,” he said.
Some Australians mentioned in the files include former Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, the daughter of former Prime Minister Paul Keating, Katherine Keating, Fortescue Metals Group founder Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, and mining billionaire Clive Palmer.
The Epoch Times does not allege any wrongdoing towards the people mentioned, and being mentioned in the files is not an indicator of having committed a crime.
The Epoch Times contacted the Prime Minister’s Office for comment.
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