Blame game over release of ‘secret’ Gaetjens report into Brittany Higgins allegation

Confirmation a “secret” report into who knew about Brittany Higgins’ allegation was never completed has several MPs pointing the finger.

A blame game over who was responsible for the completion of a report into who in Scott Morrison’s prime ministerial office knew about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegation has broken out.

The inquiry was commissioned by Mr Morrison in the days after the former Liberal staffer went public with her claim that she’d been sexually assaulted in Parliament House. It was to be undertaken by then head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), Phil Gaetjens.

But the investigation was halted before it could be finished in August 2021 due to a pending criminal trial. It’s understood it will never be finished unless the department is ordered to pick up the investigation.

In recent days, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his frontbench have used the never-released report to deflect from questions about claims Labor sought to weaponise the allegation while in opposition.

Anthony Albanese has used the never-released report in defence of his frontbench. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Speaking with ABC Radio, frontbencher Jenny McAllister said the questions should be put to members of the former government.

“These were matters for the former government. As you know, the Gaetjens review was commissioned by Mr Morrison and the findings of that review, never released,” she said.

“I think that it is appropriate that the former government answer questions about the way that review was conducted and why its findings were never released.”

Asked about the current status of the review, Senator McAllister indicated the government would not be dusting off the shelved inquiry.

“I think we consider that we pursued these matters in the forums that were available to us as an opposition, including in question time,” she said.

Liberal senator Jane Hume, who was a minister in the former government, said the report didn’t exist.

“The report (Labor is) talking about was ceased. There is no report because there’s a criminal investigation under way,” she told Seven.

Phil Gaetjens’ report was shelved. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Scott Morrison ordered the report. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

In 2021, Mr Morrison ordered Mr Gaetjens to lead an inquiry in the days after Ms Higgins went public and made a police complaint.

After Bruce Lehrmann was charged, the inquiry was halted, with Mr Gaetjens citing concerns it “could prejudice criminal proceedings”.

Following the 2022 election, Mr Gaetjens was dumped by Labor as PM&C secretary.

Mr Lehrmann’s trial was aborted due to jury misconduct. In December, the charges were dropped and a retrial did not proceed due to concerns about Ms Higgins’ mental health.

Mr Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual assault. He has continually denied the allegation and there have been no findings made against him.

PM&C was not ordered to resume the inquiry when criminal proceedings were finalised.

Originally published as Blame game over release of ‘secret’ Gaetjens report into Brittany Higgins allegation