Former senator Linda Reynolds wins case against Brittany Higgins

Former West Australian Senator Linda Reynolds has won her defamation case against former staffer Brittany Higgins.

Transcript

00:00The former Liberal Senator had launched the action over social media posts made by her former staffer.

00:07Ms Higgins was working in Ms Reynolds' office when she alleged she was raped in 2019.

00:12Her former colleague, Bruce Lerman, has always denied the allegations.

00:16Justice Paul Tottle said the issues raised by the parties required a detailed examination of events that took place over six years.

00:23He found Ms Higgins defamed her former boss in social media posts in 2023 and one with her then boyfriend David Shiraz in 2022.

00:32In the case of tweets, he found Ms Higgins had a defence of honest opinion and qualified privilege.

00:37But with other posts, he ordered damages of $315,000 be paid plus interest.

00:43Speaking outside court, Ms Reynolds said she felt vindicated and relieved.

00:48Well, this is the first day of the rest of my life and while I was forced to leave the Senate because of these circumstances,

00:56as I said, I've spent 40 amazing years serving in the military, serving in the Senate

01:02and I've now got the opportunity to look for new opportunities to serve our great nation and maybe my great state as well.

01:11Ms Higgins has issued a statement saying she accepts Ms Reynolds' feelings were hurt by these events

01:17and she's sorry for that.

01:18She said she wishes her well for the future.

01:20Ms Reynolds said it was never about the money but about her reputation.