Minister ‘open’ to Higgins probe

LINDA Reynolds has finalised a statement to the AFP as part of an investigation into the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins, and insists she harbours no ill will to towards her former staffer.

In her first televised interview since labelling Ms Higgins a “lying cow”, the new NDIS minister offered well wishes to her former staffer, who alleges she was raped by a colleague in the senator’s parliamentary office in 2019.

Ms Higgins said she felt forced to choose between her job and filing a police report detailing the alleged rape, while Ms Reynolds faced scrutiny over her handling of the allegation, which is now the subject of an AFP probe.

But after returning from medical leave to her new portfolio, Senator Reynolds said she had finalised a statement for the AFP and was open to being interviewed by police.

“It was never about me. It wasn’t about me then and it’s not about me now. My focus now is all about the NDIS,” Senator Reynolds told Nine News.

She broke down while answering questions on the allegation during senate question time in February, before citing a heart condition to take leave from work.

“I think it was an incredibly difficult time for many people, given the subject matter,” she said. “One of the things I’ve rediscovered in this job is that even when we become politicians, we’re not immune to o human illnesses and condi- tions.”

Senator Reynolds’ leave e was extended after revelations she had labelled Ms Higgins a “lying cow” in front of staff, the comment prompting a defamation case that was settled out of court. “I am sorry for what I said. I shouldn’t have said it. I’ve also financially settled now with Brittany, so I wish her well,” she said.