PM: No new evidence in Eric Abetz letter

Scott Morrison has opened up on a letter sent to him over a claim a longstanding senator labelled Brittany Higgins “disgustingly drunk” when she was allegedly raped.

Scott Morrison says there is no new evidence in a letter sent to him by the Tasmanian Premier, urging him to consider whether senator Eric Abetz slut-shamed Brittany Higgins.

Tasmanian Speaker Sue Hickey used parliamentary privilege to claim Mr Abetz said Ms Higgins was “disgustingly drunk” and could have “slept with anybody” when she was allegedly raped.

Mr Abetz has denied the claim.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed on Wednesday that Ms Hickey had raised the allegation with him weeks ago and had written to the Prime Minister urging him to “consider” the matter.

But Mr Morrison said the letter contained no new evidence.

RELATED: Question time: Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz under fire over comments, which he denies

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has urged PM Scott Morrison to ‘consider’ the allegation levelled at Eric Abetz. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr Morrison said the letter contained no new evidence. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“He doesn’t corroborate or confirm any of these things. He’s just simply mentioned this matter to me,” Mr Morrison told ABC Radio on Thursday.

“He’s just raised the matter and said it was raised with him.”

Ms Hickey also alleged she asked Mr Abetz whether the cabinet minister at the centre of an historical rape allegation was Attorney-General Christian Porter and was told “not to worry” because the alleged victim had died.

Mr Morrison said although both comments would be “completely appalling”, it would be “very unfair” to draw conclusions with the facts in such dispute.

“I was not a party to the conversation … Senator Abetz’s complete denial of that I think is a very strong one,” he said.

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has been accused of saying Brittany Higgins was ‘disgustingly drunk’ when she was allegedly raped. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Senator Eric Abetz has denied the claim. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“He’s a longstanding figure in public life and has a strong record when it comes to addressing these issues very seriously. (He) has absolutely denied that.”

But Labor frontbencher Tony Burke called for an investigation into the claim, saying the government could not move on the basis of a denial alone.

“If that’s meant to be the end of the matter then we haven’t moved one millimetre throughout these last two months,” he told Sky News.

Ms Hickey made the allegation after being informed she would not be preselected at the next state election.

Mr Abetz strenuously “categorically denied” the allegation on Wednesday, telling Sky News the claim could be an act of political vengeance.

“Given my history in these matters, I would never have said words that have now been described to me by Ms Hickey. They are repulsive,” he said.

“One can expect or suspect that the only reason is that she’s brought this up three weeks later because the Premier on Sunday showed her the door from the Liberal Party because of her gross disloyalty and lack of teamsmanship.”

Originally published as PM: No new evidence in Eric Abetz letter