Brittany Higginshas settled a compensation claim with the Commonwealth for an undisclosed amount, after the former parliamentary staffer took legal action.
On Tuesday night, after talks with her legal team from Canberra law firm Blumers, the Commonwealth settled on the claim.
“At a mediation held today, the Commonwealth and Ms Higgins settled her claims,” Noor Blumer said in a statement.
“At the request of Ms Higgins, the parties have agreed that the terms of the settlement are confidential.”
The settlement comes weeks after the former Liberal Party staffer gave notice to sue former Liberal ministers Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash as well as the Commonwealth for reportedly about $3 million.
The civil suit was announced after a retrial in the criminal case against former colleague Bruce Lehrmann, whom Higgins has accused of rape, was aborted.
Read Related Also: Heartwarming moment Prince William cracked jokes with congregation members of Swansea church
Lehrmann maintains his innocence and is believed to be considering seeking civil remedies for loss of reputation and employment over the matter.
The Sydney Morning Herald previously reported that Higgins’ lawyers had set out an intention to sue for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, disability discrimination, negligence, and victimisation, in documents sent to the two former ministers and the Commonwealth earlier this month.
Senator Reynolds, who was Higgins’ employer at the time of the alleged rape in March 2019, told the newspaper: “I confirm that I was advised in March this year by Blumers law firm, who act for Brittany Higgins, of a civil claim by Ms Higgins against me and other parties.”
ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold announced earlier this month that he would not pursue a retrial of Lehrmann after the original October trial was cut short over juror misconduct.
Drumgold cited the wellbeing and health of Higgins, saying he had filed a notice bringing the prosecution to an end.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
