Scott Morrison ‘distressed’ by Brittany Higgins’ alleged rape

Scott Morrison has made his first public comments on Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins’ “distressing” claim she was sexually assaulted at Parliament House.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called the reports of Brittany Higgins’ alleged rape “deeply distressing”. Picture: Diego Fedele/Getty Images

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made his first public comments on Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins’ “distressing” claim she was sexually assaulted at Parliament House.

Question Time opened with a question from Labor leader Anthony Albanese on the scandal.

“Can the prime minister advise the House on how the government responded to the allegation that a woman was sexually assaulted in [a] minister’s office in March 2019. Has an appropriate duty of care for the woman been exercised?,” Mr Albanese said.

In response, the Prime Minister said at all times the government had tried to respect Ms Higgins’ wishes.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called the reports of Brittany Higgins’ alleged rape “deeply distressing”. Picture: Diego Fedele/Getty Images

Ms Higgins, pictured with the PM.

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“My government takes all such matters – all matters of workplace safety – very, very seriously,” he said.

“Everyone should feel safe in their workplace, wherever that is.

“Reports today are deeply distressing. This matter is under consideration by police.

“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 Miss Higgins is something the government always sought to follow in relation to this matter.

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

“This offer of support and assistance continues.

“It is important that Ms Higgins’s views are listened to and respected and I table for the purposes of the House a statement issued by a government spokesperson today on these matters.”