Extract from ABC News
By political reporter Nour Haydar
Alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins says it is "incredibly hurtful" to hear that her former boss, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, reportedly called her a "lying cow".
Key points:
- Linda Reynolds has not denied using the slur
- Brittany Higgins called it "further evidence" of the toxic culture in Parliament House
- Scott Morrison has called the comment "offensive"
According to a story in The Australian newspaper, Senator Reynolds made the remarks in front of staff members after Ms Higgins went public about allegedly being raped by another staffer inside Senator Reynolds's office in the ministerial wing of Parliament House in 2019.
When contacted by the ABC, Senator Reynolds did not dispute the reports.
Ms Higgins said she appreciated it was a stressful time but said "that sort of behaviour and language is never excusable".
"It's just further evidence of the toxic workplace culture that occurs behind closed doors in Parliament House."
Lawyers representing Ms Higgins have issued a letter to Senator Reynolds, demanding a public apology for the "hurt and distress" caused.
The letter also asks for an immediate and unequivocal public withdrawal of the comments.
Earlier, Senator Reynolds released a statement which said: "A report in The Australian attributed some remarks to me regarding the very serious allegations made by my former staff member, Ms Brittany Higgins."
"I have never questioned Ms Higgins's account of her alleged sexual assault and have always sought to respect her agency in this matter.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the comments were "inappropriate and wrong" and Senator Reynolds had apologised to her staff before the comments were made public.
"She deeply regrets it. They were offensive remarks," he told reporters.
"She should have never made them. I don't condone them."
Mr Morrison is standing by the minister, who is currently on medical leave.
"They were made in her private office in a stressful week," Mr Morrison told reporters.
"They weren't made in a public place and nor were they intended for that — that doesn't excuse it, not for a second."
The Australian reported that Senator Reynolds made the comment in an open part of her office on the same day Ms Higgins went public with the allegation that she was raped by a male colleague.
The remarks were reportedly made in earshot of several staff members, including some public servants on secondment from the Department of Defence.
"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," Senator Reynolds said.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Senator Reynolds had made it clear in her statement she never questioned Ms Higgins's story.
"The key point is that she never challenged Brittany Higgins's version of events."
Labor's Katy Gallagher said if the comments were true they were "totally unacceptable".
"Someone in her senior position, if this did occur, she should address that matter directly," she said.
Senator Reynolds was admitted into hospital last week as a "precautionary measure" following advice from her cardiologist.
She has faced sustained pressure over her handling of Ms Higgins's rape complaint, and this latest allegation is likely to infuriate some of her ambitious backbench colleagues who privately raised questions about her fitness to hold onto her ministerial position.
Former Liberal staffer Ms Higgins has made a formal complaint to the Australian Federal Police about her alleged rape in March 2019.
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