Brittany Higgins reacts to Scott Morrison’s 60 Minutes ‘stunt’

Brittany Higgins has weighed in on Scott Morrison’s bizarre ukulele-playing stunt with Karl Stefanovic.

Brittany Higgins has weighed in on Scott Morrison’s bizarre ukulele-playing stunt with Karl Stefanovic.

The former Liberal staffer went public last year with criticism of the way in which the government dealt with allegations she was raped at Parliament House in 2019.

Taking to Twitter, Ms Higgins commented on a quote from news.com.au columnist James Weir’s recap of the “cringe-worthy” 60 Minutes interview.

Weir wrote, “While the interview is also expected to touch on more serious points — like the comments Mr Morrison made after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins went public with allegations she was raped at Parliament House in 2019 — from what we’ve seen in the promos, those weightier moments are spliced between generous doses of goofiness to soften the blow.

“Super appropriate and normal,” Ms Higgins wrote on Twitter on Sunday.

At one point in the episode, Mr Morrison strums a ukulele and sings while enjoying family dinner with margaritas on the patio at Kirribilli House, as Stefanovic approvingly nods along.

Hitting back at a social media critic who defended the nature of the interview, Ms Higgins said: “I have no issue with humanising interviews pre-elections.”

“Given the detrimental comments made this week by the PM in Parliament - I think it’s a little inappropriate to roll all this into a political fluff piece for personal gain.”

“The interview will touch on more serious points — like the comments made by the PM after Ms Higgins went public with allegations she was raped at Parliament — weightier moments are spliced with generous doses of goofiness to soften the blow.”

Super appropriate and normal. 🙃 https://t.co/JYdh73GZuR

— Brittany Higgins (@BrittHiggins_) February 13, 2022

Ms Higgins found support from former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s wife Lucy, who wrote: “So sorry that treating your experience as some sideshow in a goofy family soap opera is happening to you. It must be like living in a rolling nightmare. Thank you for standing up for a better, fairer workplace in #auspol. But it must take its toll on you. Big hugs.”

Stream more political news live & on demand with Flash, a dedicated news streaming service. New to Flash? Try 14 days free now >

Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins at the National Press Club last week. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

It came as Jenny Morrison also copped fury over her comments during the exclusive sit-down, criticising former Australian of the Year Grace Tame for her “manners” at the now-famous frosty exchange with the PM at The Lodge last month.

“I just found it a little bit disappointing, because we were welcoming her in our home,” Ms Morrison said.

“I just wish the focus had been on all the incredible people coming in. I respect people that want to change things, stand up for their beliefs, and are strong, but I still think there are manners and respect.”

Ms Higgins and Ms Tame, a survivor of child sexual abuse, spoke at the National Press Club last week where they delivered powerful speeches about their individual experiences.

The day before, the Prime Minister rose to deliver a formal apology to alleged victims of sexual harassment, assault and bullying in parliament.

“I am sorry. We are sorry. I am sorry to Ms Higgins for the terrible things that took place here. And the place that should have been a place for safety and contribution, turned out to be a nightmare,” he said.

“I am sorry for far more than that. All of those who came before Ms Higgins.”

Ms Higgins, who was among six women present in the gallery, left the apology in tears after listening to the speech.

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has been charged with one count of sex without consent in relation to Ms Higgins’ allegation that she was sexually assaulted in the office of former Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds after work hours on March 23, 2019.

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann.

He has pleaded not guilty is due to stand trial this year, and Ms Higgins allegations have yet to be tested in court.

Lawyers acting for Mr Lehrmann have branded the PM’s historic apology in Parliament “a disgrace” and “extraordinarily prejudicial” to their client, and have sought to have the trial delayed.

The Prime Minister’s office has subsequently clarified the apology was not a direct reference to the rape allegations.

A spokesperson said on Friday the apology referred generally to “the many terrible experiences Ms Higgins has detailed during her time working at Parliament House and was “by no means a reflection on the matters before a court”.

In a statement to news.com.au, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the ACT has also urged the end to “all public commentary” including “by officers of the court and public figures”.

“The criminal justice system has managed high-profile cases for as long as there has been media, and has developed a raft of effective measures to protect the fairness of jury trials,” Shane Drumgold said.

“Notwithstanding this, I strongly discourage all public commentary, on active cases, including commentary about commentary, and particularly by officers of the court and public figures.”

Mr Lehrmann’s legal team have now signalled they may argue for a “stay” of the trial, which is tentatively set down for June, to an unspecified date in the future.

The matter is back in court on March 10.

“What the Prime Minister has done is an absolute disgrace. He has completely and utterly disregarded the presumption of innocence. He has completely and utterly disrespected the courts whose function it is to try these matters,’’ defence lawyer John Korn told news.com.au.

“He has completely abrogated the rule of law. He has had no authority whatsoever from any one or any thing to make an apology for an event.”

— with Samantha Maiden

Originally published as Brittany Higgins reacts to Scott Morrison’s 60 Minutes ‘stunt’