Katy Gallagher has wiped away tears as she confronted one more day of questioning about her information of Brittany Higgins’ rape allegation.
The Finance Minister stated she was dissatisfied by the week’s debate because the Coalition continued its assault on the Labor frontbencher about what she knew earlier than Ms Higgins went public.
“I am very disappointed that this week, the work that we’ve done on (Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate) Jenkins, on Respect at Work, on asking women to come forward when something happens to them and then treating women the way they are being treated right now,” Senator Gallagher informed parliament.
“I am sorry Senator Reynolds is clearly upset about what happened to her.
“And I told her that … but I am also very sorry for Brittany Higgins, I’m sorry documents about her personal life have been leaked.
“I’m sorry a confidential draft claim for compensation found its way onto the front pages of a national newspaper.”
Senator Gallagher’s reply got here as Coalition senators screamed interjections in defence of Senator Reynolds, claiming the previous minister had “done everything right”.
Senator Reynolds employed each Ms Higgins and the person she accused, Bruce Lehrmann, on the time of the alleged incident in 2019.
Mr Lehrmann pleaded not responsible to at least one cost of sexual assault. His prison trial was aborted final yr as a consequence of jury misconduct.
The cost and a plan to retry him was dropped in December as a consequence of fears of Ms Higgins psychological well being.
Senator Gallagher has been below strain after leaked textual content messages advised Ms Higgins’ companion David Sharaz had given her a tip off about Ms Higgins’ interview with The Project within the days earlier than it aired.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed Senator Gallagher once more on Thursday, telling parliament he had “absolute confidence” in his Finance Minister.
Earlier within the week, Senator Gallagher denied deceptive the Senate whereas in opposition in 2021 when by declaring “no one had any knowledge” of the allegation previous to its publication.
During her fourth day of questioning, voice cracked as she choked again tears as was accused of not having the ability to reply “basic factual questions”.
She rejected ideas Labor sought to weaponise the allegation for political acquire.
Asked if Labor sought recommendation on whether or not any of their questioning on the time may have “damaged any prospect of conviction”, Senator Gallagher stated they adopted social gathering course of.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
