Linda Reynolds Sues Brittany Higgins Over $2.4 Million Payout

Brittany Higgins, who received a $2.4 million compensation payment from the Commonwealth in December 2021 for distress and lost earnings following her alleged rape in Parliament House, is at the center of a legal dispute involving Senator Linda Reynolds. Reynolds' legal team has filed a writ in the West Australian Supreme Court, targeting the Brittany Higgins Protective Trust, managed by Power Blazers Pty Ltd, which was established after Higgins stepped down as trustee in February 2022. Senator Reynolds is requesting the court to void the trust and return a significant portion of the compensation to Higgins, arguing that it should be accessible in the event of a successful defamation claim against her. Reynolds' lawyer, Martin Bennett, emphasized the importance of having the funds available under the Civil Judgement Enforcements Act, should the senator prevail in her case for aggravated damages. This legal maneuver comes as the defamation trial, stemming from social media posts that Reynolds claims harmed her reputation, approaches its conclusion. In a recent court session, Bennett's attempt to summon psychiatrist Dr. Julio Clavijo, who authored reports related to Higgins' compensation, was denied. The court heard that Clavijo's reports, written on the same day but differing significantly, could provide relevant context to Higgins' defense against Reynolds' defamation claim, which hinges on the truth of her statements regarding the senator's public comments about the compensation settlement. Justice Paul Tottle ruled that the psychiatrist's evidence would not significantly impact the case, stating that the determination of whether Reynolds engaged in harassment would rely on her actions rather than external testimonies. Bennett has also sought to refer the reports to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding the case.