‘Set the record straight’: Senator Linda Reynolds claims vindication after Lehrmann defamation judgment

Brittany Higgins’ former boss has spoken out in the wake of the Federal Court’s defamation judgment, saying it has “set the record straight”.

Brittany Higgins’ former boss, Senator Linda Reynolds, has spoken out in the wake of the Federal Court’s defamation judgment against Bruce Lehrmann, saying it has finally “set the record straight” on allegations her office engaged in a cover-up.

In his judgment this week, Justice Michael Lee found that, on the balance of probabilities, “Mr Lehrmann raped” Ms Higgins at Parliament House.

Mr Lehrmann had brought the unsuccessful defamation action against Channel Ten and one of its hosts, Lisa Wilkinson.

The judgment also found that an allegation pushed by Ms Higgins and her partner, David Sharaz, claiming there had been a cover-up of the rape allegation, was “objectively short on facts, but long on speculation and internal inconsistencies”.

“Trying to particularise it during the evidence was like trying to grab a column of smoke,” Justice Lee wrote.

Brittany Higgins. Picture: Colin Murty

On Tuesday night, Ms Reynolds – who was defence minister at the time of the rape – claimed vindication for both herself and her former chief of staff, Fiona Brown.

“For three years I have endured intense public scrutiny, vilification, vile trolling and have been demonised as the villain in a story of a political cover-up I have always known to be untrue,” she told The Australian.

“Fiona Brown and I have lost our careers, had our reputations destroyed and have had our health seriously and irreparably compromised.

“The decision of His Honour Justice Lee has finally set the record straight with respect to the conduct of Ms Brown and myself and the demonstrably false narrative that has dominated headlines and ruined lives and careers.

“To say I am pleased with the findings in relation to Ms Brown, myself and the cover-up that never was would be an understatement.”

Ms Reynolds is currently suing Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz for defamation in the WA Supreme Court. The matter is expected to go to trial later in the year.

While stressing that she wished to make no further comment, Ms Reynolds noted that “as a matter of law”, Justice Lee’s findings were “not binding on Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz in respect to their defences” in that case.

“I remain committed to fully vindicating my reputation,” the Senator said.

Senator Linda Reynolds. Picture: Martin Ollman/NCA NewsWire

Lehrmann takes refuge at police station

Mr Lehrmann reportedly fled to a police station after the adverse judgment, and was taken to another location to protect his safety, it has emerged.

The Australian reports Mr Lehrmann “sought refuge in a regional police station” and was subsequently transported by officers to an undisclosed location.

He’d earlier been spotted leaving a carpark in his Mazda CX-9 following the judgment by Justice Lee. He did not speak to the media on his way out.

According to The Australian, Mr Lehrmann abandoned the Mazda in a No Stopping zone outside Gosford police station.

“I thought he was handing himself in after being declared a rapist,” a witness joked to the newspaper.

“I thought that he had a change of heart.”

The criminal rape trial against Mr Lehrmann collapsed in 2022 due to juror misconduct. The DPP elected not to pursue another trial, citing Ms Higgins’ mental health.

Mr Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence.

Justice Lee’s judgment was delivered under the civil standard of proof, which hinges on facts being proven according to “the balance of probabilities”.