This week in politics - in pictures

22 Images

From a Parliament rape allegation to a COVID-19 vaccine approval and Facebook banning Australian news articles, Alex Ellinghausen captured the week in politics at Parliament House.

February 19, 2021 — 12.20pm

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Reflections of Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt seen during the launch of the "Your IVF Success" website.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

2/22

Labor's Spokesman for Reconciliation Senator Pat Dodson, Leader Anthony Albanese and Spokeswoman for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney walk towards the House of Representatives to attend a ministerial statement to mark the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt speaks during a ministerial statement to mark the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Labor's Tanya Plibersek reaches out to Linda Burney after she spoke during a ministerial statement to mark the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

5/22

Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Scott Morrison depart the House of Representatives together after a division in the House.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

6/22

Liberal MP Kevin Andrews listens during debate in the House of Representatives. Andrews lost the preselection for his seat of Menzies last month to Keith Wolahan.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

7/22

Silhouette of Prime Minister Scott Morrison seen during a Teal Ribbon parliamentary breakfast.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison addresses the Teal Ribbon parliamentary breakfast.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison takes questions from the media on the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

10/22

"I said this morning when we take our children to be vaccinated, it's Professor John Skerrit who says that vaccine is safe for your children to take. This is the same Professor Skerrit who is telling you when it comes to these vaccines, it's safe to take and it's in your interests and in the public health interest of the nation." Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in announcing alongside Professor John Skerrit the TGA had approved the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.Credit:SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison reacts during questioning on Brittany Higgins' rape allegation.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

12/22

Shadow Minister for Women Tanya Plibersek approaches Liberal MP Celia Hammond for a discussion after question time. Hammond was appointed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to review cultural problems around the treatment of women.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Michele O'Neil, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions attend a "rebuild our TAFE" rally on the front lawn of Parliament House.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison listens to a question from Shadow Minister for Women Tanya Plibersek on the timing of when he became aware of alleged rape of Brittany Higgins.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

15/22

"I only recently became aware. In fact, in relation to the alleged rape ... Brittany and I spoke, and she disclosed details of what had occurred. I told her that I wanted her to stay in her role and that I would do anything to assist her, including relocating her position to Queensland if she wished. I offered to go directly to the AFP with her so that she could provide them with a statement. I said I would sit with her while she did this. She advised me she did not want to pursue it. I also offered to go to the Prime Minister's office with her, to raise the issue directly with them. She said no. She advised me that at all times she wanted her privacy respected." Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash speaking in question time on news one of her staffers had been raped by a colleague when she worked in Linda Reynolds' office.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce listening from the backbench during question time. Joyce had earlier in the week called for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to be allowed to invest in coal. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese meets with Member for Canberra Alicia Payne's daughter, Elena, during a morning tea to discuss early childhood education and care.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison in discussion with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg during a division in the House of Representatives, ahead of the Treasurer's press conference on Facebook and the news media bargaining code.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher depart after a press conference on Facebook and the news media bargaining code.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

20/22

A tear streams down the face of Defence Minister Linda Reynolds during Senate question time. She had earlier made a statement on the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

21/22

Former Prime Minister Kevin Ruddflicks his hair ahead of a Senate hearing on media diversity.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

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Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd during a Senate hearing on media diversity in Australia.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen