Former political staffer Brittany Higgins has reached a settlement with the Commonwealth, according to a statement released by her personal injury lawyer on Tuesday.
The lawyer, Noor Blumer, said Higgins settled the claim with the Commonwealth at a mediation held that day.
The settlement follows Higgins’ claims of sexual assault occurring at Parliament House.
“At the request of Ms Higgins, the parties have agreed that the terms of the settlement are confidential,” the statement said.
“The parties welcome the fact of the settlement.”
Last week, Higgins’ lawyers were reported to be preparing for their client to sue former defence minister Linda Reynolds, former Attorney-General Michaelia Cash, as well as the Commonwealth in a civil claim. Higgins once worked for both Reynolds and Cash.
The documents noted that Higgins would sue for sexual harassment, discrimination, disability discrimination, negligence and victimisation. Reynolds confirmed via a statement that she had been advised in March this year that a civil claim had been made against her and other parties by Higgins. Last week she said that she had been informed by Higgins’ lawyers that their client intended to progress the claim later this month.
However, ABC reports this morning that Reynolds is believed to have been removed from the claim, which had been expected to be worth $3 million. There were no figures mentioned in the statement released on Tuesday.
The claim follows trial of Bruce Lehrmann on one charge of sexual assault that was derailed in the ACT Supreme Court following juror misconduct. A retrial was then abandoned by prosecutors, citing concerns for the claimant’s health. Lehrmann denies the charges.