Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has not denied reports she called former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins a “lying cow” after she spoke out about her alleged rape in Parliament House.
The Australian newspaper has reported Senator Reynolds made the comment in the open part of her office and was heard by several staff members, including public servants on secondment from the Department of Defence.
The comments were reportedly made on 15 February – the same day Ms Higgins, who was 24 at the time of the alleged incident, went public with her account.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, Senator Reynolds did not specifically address whether she had used that term about Ms Higgins.
She said she had “never questioned Ms Higgins’ account of her alleged sexual assault and have always sought to respect her agency”.
“I did, however, comment on news reports regarding surrounding circumstances that I felt had been misrepresented,” she continued.
“I have consistently respected Ms Higgins’s agency and privacy and said this is her story to tell and no one else’s.”
“Ms Higgins’s allegations are very serious and that is how they must be treated to ensure her legal rights are protected. I welcome her decision to progress this matter with the Australian Federal Police.”
Pressure is mounting on Senator Reynolds over her handling of Ms Higgins’ sexual assault complaint, in which she alleges she was raped by a fellow Liberal staffer inside the minister’s office in March 2019.
Senator Reynolds had known about the alleged rape for more than two years but did not inform Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has said he only became aware of the allegations last month.
Last week she was admitted to hospital with a pre-existing medical condition and forced to cancel a much-anticipated speech at the National Press Club.
She is on medical leave until next week.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence or sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
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