Ms Higgins has alleged that she was raped by a colleague in the Senator's office in March 2019 when Senator Reynolds was the then-defence industry minister. Here's why we're not, Carbon dioxide levels reach historic high as Joe Biden calls world leaders to climate talks, New study reveals how long cannabis users are likely to be stoned, South African COVID variant can 'break through' Pfizer vaccine, Israeli study suggests, Karijini Experience returns to Pilbara to boost mining town's creative side, Shadow Health Minister criticises Australia's vaccine rollout, saying more options needed, SA Liberals forced to correct misleading O-Bahn extension flyer, 'It will be a disaster': Waratah residents consider last-ditch bid to save their dam. In Australia, an alleged victim's testimony is typically required, particularly in sexual assault cases, for police to proceed with an investigation that has chance of prosecution. © 2021 BBC. Last month, the former political adviser alleged she had been attacked in Ms Reynolds' office at Parliament House after a night out in 2019. READ MORE Picture: Sean Davey Ms Higgins responded to the announcement, saying she was pleased the comment had been withdrawn and she had accepted the Minister's apology. Last Thursday, lawyers representing Ms Higgins sent a letter to the Senator demanding a public apology for the comment and that she withdraw it immediately. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has retracted a comment calling alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins a "lying cow" and apologised again for making the remark. Earlier in the week, Ms Higgins told local media she felt unsupported by her boss and that she would lose her job if she reported her alleged rape to police. In response to Mr Hooke's comments, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said he would need to know further details before he could consider reopening the investigation. Reynolds is probably not long for it now, and no one will miss the… cow. "It's just further evidence of the toxic workplace culture that exists behind closed doors in Parliament House," she said. "I wasn't present, but what I hope for is that Ms Higgins is satisfied with the retraction and full apology that has been provided.". But on Friday, a close friend of the woman, James Hooke, said in a statement that he had "clear recollections of relevant discussions" with her within months of the alleged incident. Defence Min Linda Reynolds Called BrittHiggins_ Lying Cow in Front of Staff, Acc to Australian What an Extraordinary Reality: Two Senior Ministers on Stress Leave. Then she realised the truth, Yes, Australia can produce other vaccines besides AstraZeneca. Mr Porter has said he will not stand down and retains Mr Morrison's support. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds apologises to Brittany Higgins for calling her a 'lying cow' Sex discrimination commissioner to lead Parliament House inquiry triggered by Brittany Higgins Australian Defence Minister has been accused of calling an alleged rape victim a “lying cow.” The shocking allegations will pile on more pressure for her to resign. Ms Reynolds came under fire after several staff members and public servants heard her in her office refer to Ms Higgins as a ‘lying cow’ on February 15. image caption. "Finally, any monies I have received from the Minister as part of the settlement of my claim against her (over and above my legal costs) will be paid in full to an organisation that provides counselling and support to survivors of sexual assault and abuse in the Canberra area. "It was an appalling comment, it should never have been made," she said. Reynolds not too long ago made the slur towards Brittany Higgins following her former staffer’s allegation she was sexual assaulted within the minister’s office in 2019. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has retracted her “lying cow” comment made against Brittany Higgins and will also pay damages. Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has demanded a public apology from Defence Minister Linda Reynolds for saying she was a “lying cow” in remarks to staff in her ministerial office. Linda Reynolds is reported to have called Brittany Higgins a 'lying cow'. What happens to your body in extreme heat? Senator Reynolds made the remark after Ms Higgins, a former staffer, went public with her allegation that a colleague had raped her in the Minister's office in 2019. Updated Updated 04/03/2021 Share We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. She has made a formal complaint to the Australian Federal Police about the alleged incident. Linda Reynolds, Australian Minister, Settles ‘Lying Cow’ Defamation Case March 12, 2021 25 views 0 MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia’s defense minister on Friday settled a defamation complaint and agreed to pay damages to a former aide whom she called a “lying cow” after the woman reported being raped in the Parliament building. Ms Reynolds remains on sick leave and on Friday posted an apology on social media, adding she "did not mean it in the sense it may have been understood". AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), Andrew spent $40k on a European holiday. She described this period as "immensely challenging". VideoSaving green turtles... by cooling their eggs, Moscow's palatial Yeliseyevsky food hall closes, The farmers eyeing sweet success from chocolate, Why Italians have the strictest rules about food, Sound of Success: Oscars Glory for Metal movie? "Given that the comment was made public, which I never intended, I also want to retract it and unreservedly apologise to Brittany Higgins and acknowledge the hurt and distress it caused to her," she explained. Senator Reynolds has already apologised for holding an initial meeting with Ms Higgins in the same room where the alleged rape occurred and made emotional statements to the Parliament about the actions she took in response. Ash rains down on Caribbean island after eruption, 'Dozens killed' in Myanmar city crackdown, Ecuador picks president in the shadow of Covid, Covid tests don't contain cancer-causing chemical, Saving green turtles... by cooling their eggs. When asked earlier this week if Ms Reynolds should quit, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said her remark had come "in her private office in a stressful week". Read about our approach to external linking. The woman took her own life last year. Allegations against others have also been aired publicly. Linda Reynolds faces defamation action for belittling and demeaning Brittany Higgins by calling her a lying cow in her office, unless she publicly apologises to her former staff member. Brittany Higgins has responded to reports Defence Minister Linda Reynolds called her a "lying cow," saying it is evidence of the "toxic workplace culture" at Parliament House.Ms Higgins, a former Liberal staffer, came forward last month with allegations she was raped in Senator Reynolds' office by a colleague in 2019.Today, The Australian reported the defence… Watch extra particulars on the story within the video above … Australian cabinet minister denies rape allegation, How rape allegations have rocked Australian politics, Ex-aide accuses Australian PM of 'victim-blaming', Australia PM sorry over handling of rape complaint, Why politics is toxic for Australiaâs women, UK PM to miss Philip's funeral due to Covid limits. The Australian press reported that the minister – who is also a senator – called Higgins a 'lying cow' in front of staff members after the news broke of the rape case. The confidential settlement also includes a donation to a sexual assault charity. It has now come out that Reynolds openly and misogynistically referred to St. Brittany as a “lying cow” not a few weeks ago, though the “lying” bit refers to St. Brittany’s recollection of her dealings with Reynolds two years ago, not the rape. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed what made Defence Minister Linda Reynolds name her former staffer a “lying cow”. PM to miss Philip's funeral due to Covid limits1, Veteran crime journalist shot dead in Greece2, Diners fined after noises at locked-down restaurant3, Ash rains down on Caribbean island after eruption4, Big Brother star Nikki Grahame dies aged 385, Chinese regulator slaps huge fine on tech giant6, 'Dozens killed' in Myanmar city crackdown7, What the reaction to Prince Philip's death says about us8, Dear papa was very special, says Charles9, World leaders pay tribute to 'steadfast' prince10. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has publicly retracted a comment in which she called alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins a "lying cow" and has apologised directly to the former Liberal staffer. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Brittany Higgins has responded to reports Defence Minister Linda Reynolds called her a "lying cow," saying it is evidence of the "toxic workplace culture" at Parliament House. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds apologises to Brittany Higgins for calling her a 'lying cow' Brittany Higgins says minister's 'lying cow' slur is further evidence of Parliament's toxic culture Reynolds privately made the “lying cow” remark among the current staffers in her office in February of this year when the allegations became public. In a statement, Ms Higgins said she accepted the apology. However, he was not prepared to speculate what meaning Senator Reynolds attached to the term "lying cow", despite her insistence it was misunderstood. She also alluded to damages being paid in her settlement with the Senator. Lawyers for Brittany Higgins have confirmed they’ve served letters threatening to sue Linda Reynolds for defamation after the Defence Minister known as Higgins a “lying cow.” Reynolds reportedly made the slur in opposition to Higgins on February 15 after her former staffer alleged that she was sexually assaulted within the minister’s office in March 2019. At the time she labelled the comment as "never excusable" and that it was "further evidence of the toxic workplace culture" at Parliament House. "These funds will assist them in this important work.". Australia's Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has paid compensation to a former aide who she called a "lying cow" after she alleged she had been raped by a former colleague. Lawyers for Brittany Higgins have confirmed they’ve served letters threatening to sue Linda Reynolds for defamation after the Defence Minister called Higgins a “lying cow.” Reynolds reportedly made the slur against Higgins on February 15 after her former staffer alleged that she was sexually assaulted in the minister’s office in March 2019. Pictured: Alleged rape survivor Brittany Higgins Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has apologised for calling alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins a ‘lying cow’. "I have never questioned Ms Higgins's account of her alleged sexual assault and have always sought to respect her agency in this matter," she said. Reynolds had reportedly made the “lying cow” comment in front of staff members, including public servants who were on secondment from the Department of Defence. Police said they were unable to pursue an investigation, citing "insufficient admissible evidence". She made the comment in front of staff in her office but in a statement said "she did not mean it in the sense it may have been understood". Senator Reynolds made the tasteless comments in her office area within earshot of several staff members and public servants on February 15. MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia’s defense minister on Friday settled a defamation complaint and agreed to pay damages to a former Linda Reynolds, Australian Minister, Settles ‘Lying Cow’ Defamation Case Mart 12, 2021 MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia’s defense minister on Friday settled a defamation complaint and agreed to pay damages to a former aide whom she called a “lying cow” after the woman reported being raped in the Parliament building. Saving green turtles... by cooling their eggs. Then he moved into a Sydney caravan park, WA towns prepare for destructive winds, possible flooding as Cyclone Seroja approaches, Prince Charles remembers his 'dear papa' in heartfelt address, Harry will attend Prince Philip's funeral, but doctors tell Meghan to stay home, Prince Harry’s homecoming for funeral is a chance for the royal family to heal, Decades after losing their brother, the Boney family are still waiting for change, When Sage's father tapped the home phone, he found out a secret and used it as a weapon, Richard Clapton is still angry after all these years, Live: India records almost 150,000 cases in a single day as deadly second wave escalates, Reynolds issued a formal apology the next day, alleged that she was raped by a colleague in the Senator's office in March 2019, formal complaint to the Australian Federal Police, she would extend her medical leave until the beginning of April, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds apologises to Brittany Higgins for calling her a 'lying cow', Brittany Higgins says minister's 'lying cow' slur is further evidence of Parliament's toxic culture, In the fallout from Brittany Higgins's rape allegation are some very black ironies, Brittany Higgins goes to police about alleged rape at Parliament House, Prayers offered for Prince Philip during church service in Sydney, Gravedigger Alan's laying his pick and shovel to rest after 42 years, Shalini thought her marriage was normal. "It was appropriate for Senator Reynolds to apologise, and apologise to the full satisfaction of Ms Higgins, and I hope the steps that have been taken achieve that outcome," the Coalition's leader in the Senate, Simon Birmingham, told the ABC. In public the minister had stood behind her former employee when she made the accusation. Senator Reynolds announced over the weekend that she would extend her medical leave until the beginning of April after being reassessed by her cardiologist. "Any monies I have received from the minister, as part of this settlement of my claim against her over and above my legal costs, will be paid in full to an organisation that provides counselling and support for survivors of sexual assault and abuse in the Canberra area. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds says she is prepared to apologise to former staff member Brittany Higgins after it emerged the minister called her a "lying cow". 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