Linda Reynolds says Lehrmann defamation judgement 'set record straight' on claims of cover-up

Linda Reynolds says Justice Lee has helped to set the record straight. (ABC News: James Carmody)

Liberal senator Linda Reynolds has responded to the Federal Court’s judgement in the defamation case brought by Bruce Lehrmann against Network 10 and Lisa Wilkinson, saying she is beyond pleased the court “has set the record straight” about her conduct following Brittany Higgins’ rape allegation.

In his judgement on Monday, Justice Michael Lee said on the balance of probabilities Bruce Lehrmann raped his then-colleague Ms Higgins in Senator Reynolds’s office at Parliament House in 2019.

But Justice Lee debunked allegations of a cover-up by members of the then-government, criticising Ms Higgins and her partner David Sharaz for having “crafted a narrative” and accusing others — including federal ministers — of “putting up roadblocks” and making her choose between her career and justice.

“The cover-up allegation was objectively short on facts, but long on speculation and internal inconsistencies,” he said in his opening remarks.

He also called out Network 10 for being eager to emphasise the “cover-up” as the most important part of the narrative, despite inconsistencies and speculation.

“This cover-up or victimisation allegation was perceived by the Project team as being the most important aspect of the Project programme and its deployment meant her account achieved much notoriety and public interest,” Justice Lee said.

In a statement, Senator Reynolds said the cover-up was a “demonstrably false narrative”.

“For 3 years I have endured intense public scrutiny, vilification, vile trolling and have been demonised as the villain in a story of a political cover-up I have always known to be untrue,” she said.

“Fiona Brown and I have lost our careers, had our reputations destroyed and have had our health seriously and irreparably compromised.

“The decision of his Honour Justice Lee has finally set the record straight with respect to the conduct of Ms Brown and myself and the demonstrably false narrative that has dominated headlines and ruined lives and careers.

“To say I am pleased with the findings in relation to Ms Brown, myself and the cover up that never was, would be an understatement.”

On Tuesday, Liberal leader Peter Dutton gave his thoughts on the judgement, saying Senator Reynolds had “absolutely been vindicated” after having her reputation “besmirched”.

The ruling also raised questions about a $2.4 million compensation payment made to Ms Higgins by the Commonwealth.

Ms Higgins alleged Senator Reynolds and Senator Michaelia Cash had contravened the Sex Discrimination Act in her claim, which was settled by the federal government in December 2022 without any admission of liability.

In a statement, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said that decision was made at arm’s length to ministers.

“Ms Higgins’ claim was managed consistently with the Commonwealth’s obligations under the Legal Services Directions 2017,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“The terms of settlement and the claim was managed in accordance with legal principle and practice and informed by external legal advice.

“[Finance Minister Katy] Gallagher was not a decision maker.”

Senator Reynolds has launched separate defamation action against her former staffer, Ms Higgins and her partner Mr Sharaz, over social media posts which she argues damaged her reputation.

She said she remained “committed to fully vindicating” her reputation in the ongoing legal action.

The ABC has contacted Ms Higgins’s lawyers for comment.

Channel 10 has declined to comment.