Albo’s emotional message to ‘brave’ Brittany Higgins after Bruce Lehrmann rape case dropped

Anthony Albanese has paid an emotional tribute to a ‘brave’ Brittany Higgins, after it was announced Bruce Lehrmann would not face another trial.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared visibly sad as he paid tribute and sent well wishes to former political staffer Brittany Higgins on Saturday.

On Friday it was announced Bruce Lehrmann would not face a second trial over allegations he sexually assaulted his former colleague due to the “unacceptable” risk to Ms Higgins’ life.

Ms Higgins’ supporters released a statement shortly after saying she was undergoing mental health treatment in a Queensland-based hospital after the “unrelenting” pressure of the past few years.

“I’ll be careful about comments given the circumstances which are there,” Mr Albanese said on Saturday.

“But I think what I would say is I wish Brittany Higgins well.

“She is a woman of considerable courage. She is a woman who has been very brave and I wish her all the best.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Brittany Higgins. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette.

Brittany Higgins before giving evidence at trial earlier this year. Photo: Martin Ollman/Getty Images.

ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold cited concerns for Ms Higgins’ welfare from medical experts, as he announced prosecutors would not proceed with a second trial.

Mr Lehrmann, who has always mainained his innocence, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of sexual intercourse without consent and was scheduled to face a retrial in the ACT Supreme Court in February.

The charge concerned an alleged incident inside Linda Reynolds’ ministerial office at Parliament House after a night out drinking with work colleagues in March 2019.

Mr Lehrmann, who has always maintained his innocence, pleaded not guilty and strenuously denied having sex with Ms Higgins.

Bruce Lehrmann will not face a retrial. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage.

ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold announced that prosecutors would not proceed with a second trial. Picture: ABC News

Mr Lehrmann faced trial earlier this year, but the jury was discharged in October after misconduct by one of the jurors was uncovered.

Mr Albanese met with Ms Higgins in Sydney in April last year, an encounter she described as “constructive”.

Speaking in Renmark in South Australia on Saturday, Mr Albanese was asked whether there would be a review into how sexual assault allegations are handled.

“I think that, inevitably, these issues will be examined,” Mr Albanese said.

“The appropriate response that I have, as someone who has had the privilege of meeting with Brittany Higgins ... and seeing what a brave, smart, resilient woman she is, is just to wish her all of the best.

“My thoughts are with her at what has been a very difficult time.”

Originally published as Albo’s emotional message to ‘brave’ Brittany Higgins after Bruce Lehrmann rape case dropped