Apology for ‘cow’ remark

Reynolds says sorry

DEFENCE Minister Linda Reynolds has apologised for calling Brittany Higgins a “lying cow” after her former staffer, who has alleged she was raped in the senator’s parliamentary office, threatened to sue her for defamation.

The apology came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday rebuked Senator Reynolds for the comment.

It came on the day an investigation into workplace culture in Parliament House was announced. The process of handling allegations of sexual harassment and assault will be led by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins.

Mr Morrison said the “lying cow” comment was made “not in a public place” and “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,” Mr Morrison said.

Details of the investigation were announced in Adelaide by Special Minister of State Simon Birmingham, who said Ms Higgins’ allegations and the historical claim that Attorney-General Christian Porter had raped a woman in the late 1980s were “deeply distressing and confronting”.

“In response to a letter from Ms Higgins’ lawyers, discussions are now under way through our legal representatives in an effort to resolve this matter as soon as possible, with any resolution to include an apology,” Senator Reynolds said. “However, in the meantime, I want to express how deeply sorry I am for these remarks and for any hurt and distress they have caused.”

She said she had never questioned Ms Higgins’ account of the night in question, and the remark was directed at her subsequent criticism of the support offered to her.

Senator Birmingham said “the parliament should reflect best practice in the prevention of, and response to, any instances of bullying, sexual harassment, or sexual assault”.

He said the inquiry would examine how to change the culture and practices to prevent future assaults.

It was established following bipartisan advice and input from figures working in the field of sexual harassment and assault support, and would also seek advice from those who say they were assaulted or experienced harassment working in parliament. “It is not, though, an investigative review. I think that is important to make clear,” he said.