Defence Minister Linda Reynolds is on medical leave.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
“I didn’t find that acceptable,the comments that were made within her office at the time,” he said.
“This was a comment made not in a public place. This was a comment made during a period which was very traumatic and very stressful. The minister deeply regrets saying these things and has offered an apology,as she should.”
Senator Reynolds has not denied she made the remark about Ms Higgins,whoalleged last month she was raped by a colleague in the minister’s office in 2019. She has maintained she did not make the comments in relation to the rape allegation,saying she was commenting on news reports about her handling of the allegation.
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The Defence Minister apologised to staff shortly after making the comment,and conceded it was “inappropriate and wrong” in a conversation with Mr Morrison on Thursday morning.
Asked whether the government would cover Ms Higgins’ legal fees,Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said he was not aware of any request but “if I do,then we would assess that in accordance with all of the standard protocols”.
Questioned whether the Defence Minister should stand down,Senator Birmingham said:“It’s for Linda to resolve that apology to the satisfaction of Ms Higgins,and for Linda and all arms of government to do as we’ve committed,as we have always been willing to do,and that is to co-operate fully with police investigations into the alleged rape and assault of Brittany Higgins”.
“It was always Linda’s willingness and intent to co-operate fully,and I know it continues to be the case,” he said.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese said Senator Reynolds’ statement “doesn’t cut the mustard” and repeated his assertion that her position was “untenable”.
National Sexual Assault,Family&Domestic Violence Counselling Line:1800 737 732. Crisis support can be found at Lifeline:(13 11 14 andlifeline.org.au),the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467 andsuicidecallbackservice.org.au) and beyondblue (1300 22 4636 andbeyondblue.org.au).
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