Brittany Higgins reveals she ‘hasn’t been invited’ to Parliament’s apology to victims of alleged sexual assault

The Parliament’s formal apology to victims of alleged sexual assault and bullying in the building will take place tomorrow - but Brittany Higgins wasn’t invited.

Brittany Higgins has revealed she “hasn’t been invited” to the Parliament’s historic formal apology to victims of alleged sexual harassment, assault and bullying in the building.

The former Liberal staffer, who will soon mark the one-year anniversary of her decision to go public with allegations she was raped at Parliament House in 2019, is in Canberra this week to deliver a major speech.

“I haven’t been invited,’’ Ms Higgins told news.com.au.

“Naturally, I would love to be there. It would be quite a full circle moment of closure to be honest.”

Restrictions on members of the public attending Parliament as a result of Covid rules means former staffers cannot enter the building.

But after news.com.au reported on the issue on Monday night, Parliament moved to ensure that Ms Higgins could attend the event.

It’s not yet clear yet if other former staffers who have travelled to Parliament to hear her speech will also be allowed to attend the event.

Ms Higgins played a pivotal role in sparking the Jenkins review of parliamentary culture in 2021 that called for the apology to occur.

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Brittany Higgins has revealed she “hasn’t been invited” the Parliament’s historic formal apology to victims’ of alleged sexual harassment. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

A number of other women who allege they were bullied at Parliament House including Education Minister Alan Tudge’s ex-lover Rachelle Miller have also complained they are barred from attending.

Mr Tudge strenuously denies the allegations that he bullied his staffer. He does not deny conducting an extra-marital affair with Ms Miller that he “deeply regrets.”

“So (the) apology to victims of bullying & harassment in parliament is tomorrow. We haven’t been invited,’’ Ms Miller said.

“Won’t be surprised when an apology starts with “We are sorry, if anyone was offended…”

“Turns out it’s closed due to Covid. I’m pretty sure they could have implemented Covid safe environment in the public gallery for survivors!!! We can go to restaurants and everywhere else!!!.”

So apology to victims of bullying & harassment in parliament is tomorrow. We haven’t been invited. Won’t be surprised when apology starts with “We are sorry, if anyone was offended…” #SorryNotSorry#SetTheStandard@chels_e_potter@BrittHiggins_@emma_husar & all the others!

— Rachelle Miller (@rachellejmiller) February 6, 2022

Mr Tudge remains on leave while the Prime Minister considers the findings of an independent investigation into Ms Miller’s allegation conducted by Vivienne Thom.

Ms Miller did not participate in the inquiry because it refused to guarantee a full copy of the final report if she participated and would not investigate all of her allegations, that Mr Tudge denies.

Education Minister Alan Tudge’s ex-lover Rachelle Miller has also complained she is barred from attending. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

A number of former Liberal staffers who allege they were sexually harassed, assaulted or bullied at Parliament House are in Canberra this week to attend a joint speech to be delivered by Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame.

Earlier today the Morrison Government was forced to deny claims that it had instructed female MPs not to attend the event at the National Press Club on Wednesday.

Government sources indicated that some female senators would be in attendance.

However, the close numbers in the House of Representatives means that backbenchers cannot leave the building without being provided with “a pair” to cover their vote.