Opposition Leader suggests NACC investigate circumstances

The Prime Minister is defending his Finance Minister Katy Gallagher following the release of text messages raising questions about her knowledge of a rape allegation in parliament house. Text messages published in the Australian newspaper not seen by the ABC show conversations between former liberal staffer Brittany Higgins and her partner David Sharaz about the allegation she was raped by a former colleague in the ministerial wing of parliament house. That allegation has never been proven. The messages suggest Labor Senator Katy Gallagher was briefed about Ms Higgins' allegation despite her assertions in parliament she had no knowledge prior to the story breaking.