Gallagher has been going through accusations by the opposition that she misled Parliament two years in the past by saying throughout a Senate estimates session on June 4, 2021 that “no one had any knowledge” of Higgins’ allegations of rape towards Bruce Lehrmann.
“I was aware of some allegations in the days leading up to the choice of Ms Brittany Higgins to make those allegations public,” Gallagher stated.
“Mr Sharaz provided me with information. I did nothing with that information, and I was clear about that at the time.”
But Gallagher stated there was “absolutely no issue here”.
“I was responding to an assertion made by Minister Reynolds that we had known about this for weeks and had made a decision to weaponise it,” the senator stated.
“That is not true. That was never true.”
She stated she was not conscious of the complete allegations made by Higgins.
Speaking to Today earlier this morning, Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney praised Gallagher.
“I have known her for a very, very long time,” Burney stated.
“She is incredibly competent. She is a woman of integrity and she is a woman with a very, very big heart.”
Ex-Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann was placed on trial over allegations he raped Higgins in an workplace in Parliament House.
His trial was aborted attributable to juror misconduct and a second trial was dropped by prosecutors in Canberra over issues over Higgins’ wellbeing.
No findings had been ever made towards Lehrmann, who has at all times maintained his innocence.
Readers in search of help can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or past blue on 1300 22 4636.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
Support is accessible from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Source: www.9news.com.au
