Ms Higgins wrote to Dr Kunkel in March after hearing from journalists that “backgrounding was happening against my partner” by the Prime Minister’s media team in the days after she aired her allegations.
Dr Kunkel spoke with Ms Higgins,three journalists from the press gallery,and all senior members of the Prime Minister’s media team,his report to Mr Morrison tabled in Parliament on Tuesday says.
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None of the journalists “recounted,or was in position to substantiate,first-hand experience of such activity”. The report said they characterised what had happened as “a passing conversation” or “corridor chat” between reporters.
Other journalists named in Ms Higgins’ letter declined to take part in the investigation. The journalism code of ethics says reporters should respect the confidences of sources in all circumstances.
The Prime Minister’s staff rejected the allegations they had sought to undermine the reputation of Mr Sharaz,Dr Kunkel’s report says.