Government responds to Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins’ alleged rape

The Morrison Government has expressed its “regret” to former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins over the handling of her alleged rape at Parliament House.

Brittany alleges she was raped at Parliament House by a colleague but claims she felt she had to choose between going to the police and keeping her job. Picture: Supplied

The Morrison Government has expressed its “regret” to former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins over the handling of her alleged rape in the Defence Minister Linda Reynolds’ office.

In a new statement, the Prime Minister’s office has confirmed its involvement in managing the case and described Ms Higgins account of the alleged sexual assault as “deeply distressing”.

“It is important that Ms Higgins views are listened to and respected. The Government regrets in any way if Ms Higgins felt unsupported through this process,’’ a spokesman said.

“Reports today of an alleged sexual assault in 2019 in a Minister’s office are deeply distressing. Throughout the entire process the overriding concern for the Government was to support Ms Higgins’ welfare in whatever way possible.

“We understand this matter is under consideration by the police. This is an important step that the Government has consistently supported from the outset and we will await the outcome of this process.”

However, Senator Reynolds is still refusing to comment herself on the issue after revelations that Ms Higgins was called to an employment meeting in the room with Senator Reynolds in the same room she was allegedly assaulted in.

“At all times, guidance was sought from Ms Higgins as to how she wished to proceed, and to support and respect her decisions. This important best practice principle of empowering Ms Higgins is something that the Government has always sought to follow,’’ a spokesman said.

“The Government has aimed to provide Ms Higgins with agency, provide support to make decisions in her interests, and to respect her privacy.

Labor frontbencher Kristina Keneally said she was “sick to her stomach” over the story and said the Defence Minister Linda Reynolds had questions to answer.

“I think we need to hear from Minister Reynolds and I think we need to hear from the government as to the extent in which this case has been handled appropriately,” she said.

Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek told news.com.au said she was appalled by the allegations

“These reports are truly sickening,’’ she said.

“Sexual assault is always a crime no matter where it occurs - at work, at home - anywhere.

“I admire Ms Higgins’ bravery in coming forward. She must get the genuine support she deserves.

“No one should ever be made to feel that reporting rape could cost them their job.”

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Ms Higgins, right, alleges she was raped at Parliament House by a colleague but claims she felt she had to choose between going to the police and keeping her job.

On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, senior staff in Senator Reynolds’ office became aware the office was accessed after hours and that an incident had occurred. This incident involved two staff. It was initially treated as a breach of the Statement of Standards for Ministerial Staff.

“After further consultation with Ms Higgins over the following days, it became clear to senior staff that there were previously unknown elements of the incident that may be of a more serious nature,” a spokesman said.

“Ms Higgins was notified that should she choose to, she should pursue a complaint, including a complaint made to the police, and that to do so was within her rights. She was informed that she would be assisted and supported through that process.

“Ms Higgins was told that if she did choose to pursue a complaint, she would have the full and ongoing support of the office and the Minister. This offer of support and assistance remains.

“During this process, Minister Reynolds and a senior staff member met with Ms Higgins in the Minister’s office. Given the seriousness of the incident, consideration should have been made to the location of the meeting with Ms Higgins, and in hindsight that oversight is regretted.”

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The government says the handling of Ms Higgins’ case was “deeply distressing”. Picture: Supplied

Senator Reynolds said she reiterated to Ms Higgins that whatever she chose to do, she would be supported. Senator Reynolds stated to Ms Higgins that her only concern was for her welfare and stated there would be no impact on her career.

“Senator Reynolds encouraged Ms Higgins to speak with the police in order to assess the options available to her. At this meeting, Ms Higgins indicated she would like to speak to the Australian Federal Police, which Senator Reynolds supported and her office facilitated,’’ a spokesman said.

The senator and her office continued to provide support to Ms Higgins through this period.

“As part of this process, the Prime Minister’s office provided support to Minister Reynolds and her office in assessing a breach of the Statement of Standards for Ministerial Staff by the other staff members involved in the incident,’’ a spokesman said.

“The Government takes all matters of workplace safety very seriously. Everyone should feel safe in a workplace.”