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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Alex Crowe

Police apologise to complainant following Cube inquiry

ACT Policing has offered an apology to Eliza Wilson, the young woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted at Cube Nightclub in Canberra's CBD.

In an email seen by The Canberra Times, Inspector Colin Giumelli acknowledged a complaint Ms Wilson made after another officer left her feeling "belittled and disrespected".

Ms Wilson had called police for information on her case and whether disciplinary action had been taken against Cube, after the nightclub was found to have breached its liquor-licence agreement.

She said the police officer questioned her motives, insinuating her response to the alleged sexual assault was an overreaction.

Eliza Wilson. Picture: Karleen Minney

In response to the complaint, Inspector Giumelli said he would offer communication coaching to the City Police Station member.

Inspector Giumelli said the investigation into Ms Wilson's report was ongoing.

"We do not tolerate any level of offending, however, what occurred to you is particularly serious," he said.

"I will ensure your friend that witnessed the incident is contacted and provides a formal statement."

Disciplinary action against Cube, which has been found by police to have deleted CCTV footage less than 21 days after it was recorded - in breach of its licensing agreement, was now in the hands of ACT government, a police spokesman confirmed.

The Directorate failed to respond to inquiries this week as to whether any action had been taken.

Since making the police complaint, Ms Wilson has met with ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner Heidi Yates.

"What I got out of that was that it's obviously not good that I was treated the way I was, but it's not an unusual occurrence," she said.

"I thought it would be quite obvious why I wanted updates; for clarity over what's going on in my case, for peace of mind and for some closure hopefully."

Ms Wilson also met with Australian Hotels Association General Manager, Anthony Brierley, about the introduction of ID scanners and the storage of CCTV footage at licensed venues.

She said while Mr Brierley had made it clear there were many complexities in introducing the new technology and the legislation, it hadn't changed her view they were necessary.

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre spokeswoman Chrystina Stanford said the situation highlighted how tough it was for victims of sexual assault to access justice.

"So many things hinge on whether a report of sexual assault will be finalised in a conviction," Ms Stanford said.

"It should not be so difficult - but it seems to be."

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Ms Stanford said there should be legislation for businesses which governs how long recordings are kept.

"The other overarching issue is the importance we place on the safety of young people, which should always be a consideration - but is often overlooked.

"It requires cultural and attitudinal change to achieve better outcomes for those impacted by sexual violence, and I think that is worth the investment.

"I felt really sad for the young woman involved in this situation as it highlights the failure of our systems response to sexual assault as we have seen in so many other headlines across the country in recent times."

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