Christian Porter, the Minister accused of raping a woman in 1988, just spoke about the allegations for the first time.

Attorney-General Christian Porter has named himself as the Minister alleged to have raped a 16-year-old girl in 1988.

He denies the claim. In this post, we share what Porter said in his defence.

At the end of the post, we briefly explain what this is all about.

Porter on the allegation itself: "The things that are being claimed to have happened did not happen... I can't criticise, or mount a defence, or cross-examine someone. I'm just not going to do that to the family of this poor woman"

Porter on the media: "Prior to last Friday's story in the ABC, no one in law enforcement, or the law, or politics, or the media, ever put any substance of any specific allegations to me at all... I have been subject the most wild, intense, unrestrained series of accusations I can remember in modern Australian politics"

Porter on whether he will sue for defamation: "Over the last week, so much has been said of every imaginable type, some of the stuff online just, just incredible. I will look at it all."

Porter on what he'll do next: "I have discussed with the Prime Minister today that after speaking with my own doctor I am going to take a short period of leave to assess and hopefully improve my own mental health. All of my life I have just pushed through, but for the many caring family and friends who have asked me that question over the course of the last week - 'Are you OK?' - I have got to say my honest answer is I really don't know"

Porter on an independent investigation: "I don't know what it would achieve... Other people will be the judge of this but it would be the first time in Australian history that a public figure or anyone effectively was put on trial in circumstances where they would be required to disprove something that didn't happen 30 years ago."

Porter on his resignation: "If I stand down from my position as Attorney-General because of an allegation about something that simply did not happen, then any person in Australia can lose their career, their job, their life's work based on nothing more than an accusation that appears in print. If that happens, anyone in public life is able to be removed simply by the printing of an allegation".

In case you missed it: For the past week, the media has aired claims that a Cabinet Minister raped a 16-year-old girl in 1988. Before today, that Cabinet Minister remained unnamed. Some politicians and media outlets have received 31-page dossiers with a lengthy police statement from the alleged victim, copies of diary entries from the time, and a letter from the alleged victim's friends.

Earlier today, 1800RESPECT gave us a few tips for taking care of yourself tough news days.

Engage in gentle, nurturing activities - going for walks and connecting with family and friends.

Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques to ground you and remind you that you are safe here and now.

Speak with 1800Respect counsellors via phone 1800 737 732 or webchat via their website. You will be listened to and believed.