/ 14 December 2022

Higgins settles

Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins arrives at the ACT Supreme Court in Canberra, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann is accused of raping a colleague Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in 2019. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING
Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins arrives at the ACT Supreme Court in Canberra, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann is accused of raping a colleague Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in 2019. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING

Just a week ago, former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins lodged the paperwork for a compensation claim against the Commonwealth and former ministers Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash. And overnight, her legal team confirmed a confidential deal was struck after a day of mediation. Higgins alleged she was attacked by her colleague Bruce Lehrmann at Parliament House in 2019, but the criminal case against him ended in October after jury misconduct, and it’s been confirmed that a retrial won’t be pursued because of concerns for her mental health. Reports say Higgins wanted $2.5 million for future economic loss and damages/expenses of circa $500,000, but the final figure to be handed over has not been disclosed. Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence and is said to be considering legal actions, including a compensation claim against the Commonwealth.

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