Linda Reynolds plans to refer Brittany Higgins payout to national anti-corruption commission

The former Liberal Party staffer’s boss, Linda Reynolds, plans to refer the payment to the federal body.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher denies she played a role in organising compensation for Brittany Higgins as the former Liberal staffer’s boss Linda Reynolds plans to refer the payment to the national anti-corruption commission.

Ms Higgins, who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Bruce Lehrmann in Parliament House, was awarded compensation in a personal injury claim through a mediation process after her alleged rape case was thrown out due to juror misconduct.

It was initially believed she received up to $3m however she later clarified the actual figure was ‘well below’ that.

The Finance Minister was asked on Wednesday if she was involved in putting together the compensation payment after it emerged she may have a close connection to Ms Higgins’ partner.

In a recent interview Mr Lehrmann gave to the Seven Network, a tape was played that revealed Ms Higgins, her partner David Sharaz, Lisa Wilkinson and the television personality’s producer Angus Llewellyn, discussing how to maintain momentum on the allegations.

Brittany Higgins with partner David Sharaz. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve got a friend in Labor, Katy Gallagher on the Labor side, who will probe and continue it going, so sitting week, story comes out they have to answer questions in Question Time, it’s a mess for them,” Mr Sharaz can be heard saying in the tape.

Senator Gallagher said she knew Mr Sharaz but did not disclose she was friends with him.

“Look, I have nothing further to add to this. I’ve been very clear with those that are reporting this story about my responsibilities,” she told ABC Radio on Wednesday morning.

“And you know, and how they relate – particularly it’s been raised in relation to a settlement or a compensation package in relation to Ms Higgins and that I had absolutely no role in that at all.

Senator Katy Gallagher denied involvement in the compensation package. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“Look, I knew, I knew Mr Sharaz as from my previous role. He was a journalist here in Canberra when I was chief minister, so I knew him. But I have nothing further to add. My statements are all on the record, and I’m comfortable with that.”

Senator Gallagher’s department was responsible for the confidential settlement given to Ms Higgins in December.

A spokesperson for Senator Gallagher told The Australian previously: “The Minister for Finance has no decision-making role in processes around significant legal matters.”

Liberal senator Linda Reynolds leaves the ACT Supreme Court in Canberra. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The comments come as Ben Fordham Live on 2GB revealed Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds would refer the compensation payment to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) “if no one else does”.

NACC is an independent Commonwealth agency that is tasked with detecting, investigating and reporting serious and systematic corrupt conduction in the public sector.

It will be in operation from next month.