URGENT UPDATE: A significant court battle is on the horizon as Brittany Higgins’ former boss, Fiona Brown, prepares to challenge the federal government over claims of negligence in protecting her after Ms. Higgins’ alarming allegations of rape in Parliament House.
In a groundbreaking judgment earlier this year, Federal Court Justice Michael Lee acknowledged Ms. Brown’s compassion in handling the complaint but also highlighted her unfair vilification amid the heated controversy. Ms. Higgins alleged she was raped by colleague Bruce Lehrmann in Ms. Reynolds’ office in 2019. Justice Lee’s ruling found no evidence of a cover-up, yet it strongly suggested that Ms. Higgins had indeed been a victim of sexual assault.
The stakes are high as Fiona Brown returns to court on Monday, October 23, 2023, for her own legal fight against the Commonwealth. Justice Nye Perram has scheduled a four-week hearing to commence in March 2027, with a preliminary deadline set for December 19 for the Commonwealth to indicate if they will seek to strike out parts of Ms. Brown’s case.
This dispute is set to unfold nearly eight years after Ms. Higgins disclosed her traumatic experience to Ms. Brown, where she found herself semi-naked in the office. Justice Lee noted that Ms. Brown was left shocked upon learning that Lehrmann had been on top of Ms. Higgins. The ruling condemned Lehrmann’s actions, stating he was “hell-bent” on having sex with Ms. Higgins, disregarding her consent.
Lehrmann continues to deny all allegations of rape. His previous criminal trial was abandoned in 2022, leaving no findings against him. However, his recent defamation lawsuit against Network 10 resulted in a judgment that affirmed Ms. Higgins as a victim of sexual assault under the civil standard of balance probabilities.
As this legal saga continues, the emotional impact remains significant. The community watches closely, with the court’s next steps promising to shed more light on this troubling chapter in Australian politics. The case highlights ongoing discussions around sexual assault, accountability, and the treatment of victims within powerful institutions.
The upcoming hearings and decisions will not only resonate with those directly involved but also with countless victims of sexual violence, making it a pivotal moment in seeking justice and reform.
As this story develops, updates will follow. For immediate support, individuals can contact 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732 or 1800 211 028 for the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service.
