PM Morrison says his office has reached out to Brittany Higgins over in-person meeting

The PM has revealed details on his potential meeting with Brittany Higgins, who has lashed his government’s handling of her rape complaint.

Scott Morrison says his office has reached out to Brittany Higgins to arrange a face-to-face meeting between the pair.

Mr Morrison in March confirmed he was willing to meet Ms Higgins, who alleged she was raped in parliament in 2019, in any city around Australia.

He confirmed on Wednesday his office had “reached out” to Ms Higgins for a private meeting, but said no location had yet been arranged.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with Brittany,” he said.

“It will be a private conversation. I know there are a range of issues she’s relayed that she would like to raise, and I look forward to hearing her.”

RELATED: Higgins welcomes offer to meet Scott Morrison

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his office has reached out to Brittany Higgins to arrange a meeting between the pair. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

The prime minister last month said he would be willing to meet Ms Higgins away from Canberra to avoid the trauma of her returning to parliament.

He said at the time he was unsure whether Ms Higgins would be willing to meet with him, and said it was a “now a matter for Brittany”.

Ms Higgins welcomed the offer but said she hadn’t been aware he was “willing to discuss my concerns about how my assault was handled”.

“I welcome the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister to discuss how the workplace culture in Parliament House can be improved,” she said.

Ms Higgins alleged she was raped by a colleague in the parliamentary office of her boss, then defence industry minister Linda Reynolds, in 2019.

Brittany Higgins speaks at Women's March 4 Justice Rally in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

She said she felt forced to choose between her job and pursuing a police complaint.

A team of five federal police officers has been tasked with investigating Ms Higgins’ allegation, after she filed a formal complaint when the story was made public.

Ms Higgins on Tuesday announced she had struck a book deal – estimated to be worth $250,000 – to provide her account.

Half of the agreed fee will be donated to the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, which Ms Higgins said had been a “lifeline” after the alleged assault.

“I feel privileged to be afforded the opportunity to share my experience inside Parliament House,” she wrote.

“This book will shine a light on the culture inside the corridors of power and provide a first-hand account of what it was like surviving a media storm that turned into a movement.”

Originally published as PM Morrison says his office has reached out to Brittany Higgins over in-person meeting