Australia news live: Linda Reynolds does not deny reports she called Brittany Higgins a 'lying cow'

Treasurer and deputy Liberal chief Josh Frydneberg has gave the impression on Skey Information this morning and has been requested about reviews protection minister Linda Raynolds known as alleged rape sufferer and previous staffer Brittany Higgins a “mendacity cow”.

It sort of feels he wouldn’t be drawn on if the language used to be unacceptable.

Trudy McIntosh
(@TrudyMcIntosh)

Deputy Liberal Chief Josh Frydenberg requested by way of @peterstefanovic again and again if this language is unacceptable – his answer: “you might be asking me within the summary – Linda Reynolds hasn’t mentioned she used that language”

March 3, 2021

Despite the fact that sure Reynolds hasn’t showed she mentioned “mendacity cow” her observation in keeping with media reviews didn’t deny it.

Let’s discuss the ones Buckingham Palace bullying allegations for a 2d (we’re nonetheless within the British empire in any case).

Ben Quinn, Archie Bland, and Caroline Davies have the protection:

Buckingham Palace is to research allegations of bullying towards the Duchess of Sussex by way of former royal workforce member, it introduced on Wednesday, as family members between individuals of the royal circle of relatives looked as if it would descend to new lows.

In a extremely ordinary observation, the palace mentioned it used to be “very involved” by way of a document within the Occasions of claims that Meghan had pushed out two non-public assistants right through her time as a operating royal, whilst Kensington Palace workforce were “humiliated” on a number of events.

It got here hours after resources as regards to Meghan and Prince Harry urged that the emergence of the bullying allegations used to be timed to undermine their imminent interview with Oprah Winfrey.

You’ll be able to learn the whole document beneath:

Excellent morning, Matilda Boseley to take you during the information nowadays and the fallout from that already notorious Christian Porter press convention.

If there’s something you reckon I’ve overlooked or assume must be within the weblog however isn’t, shoot me a message on Twitter @MatildaBoseley or e-mail me at matilda.boseley@theguardian.com.

Sooner than I leap in, I simply need to recognize how difficult the previous day has been for such a lot of teams of other folks, with Grace Tame’s wonderful speech, the Porter saga, and defence leader Angus Campbell’s feedback about younger cadets desiring to steer clear of making themselves susceptible to sexual attack.

In case you discovered it specifically onerous, or are even simply feeling just a little “blah” this morning you should definitely achieve out to other folks and even take into consideration calling the Australia disaster give a boost to provider Lifeline on 13 11 14.

In case you or somebody you realize is impacted by way of sexual attack, circle of relatives or home violence, name 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or seek advice from www.1800RESPECT.org.au

This morning defence minister Linda Reynolds has no longer denied reviews that she known as her former staffer Brittany Higgins a “mendacity cow” the day she went public with allegations that she used to be raped by way of a male colleague in Reynolds’ place of job and didn’t obtain ok give a boost to from the minister or executive.

In keeping with The Australian Reynolds made the remark within the open a part of her place of job and used to be heard by way of a number of workforce individuals, together with public servants on secondment from the dep. of defence.

In a observation, Reynolds mentioned she did make some feedback expressing her emotions that media reviews misrepresented some portions of the location.

A document in The Australian attributed some remarks to me in regards to the very critical allegations made by way of my former workforce member, Ms Brittany Higgins.

I’ve by no means puzzled Ms Higgins’ account of her alleged sexual attack and feature at all times sought to admire her company on this subject.

I did alternatively touch upon information reviews referring to surrounding instances that I felt were misrepresented.

I’ve persistently revered Ms Higgins’ company and privateness and mentioned that is her tale to inform and no person else’s.

Ms Higgins’ allegations are very critical and that’s how they will have to be handled to make sure her criminal rights are safe. I welcome her resolution to development this subject with the Australian Federal Police.

Reynolds is off paintings unwell and isn’t anticipated to be again till subsequent Monday, however the minister is already going through questions concerning the viability of her place given the dealing with of the alleged Higgins rape case.

Another issues to seem out for:

• Senior executive ministers are status in the back of Legal professional-Normal Christian Porter’s resolution to not step down after he used to be accused of a ancient rape, an allegation he vehemently denies. Porter says resigning, would imply the “could be no rule of regulation” and would set a precedent that “someone in Australia can lose their occupation, their task, their existence’s paintings, in line with not anything greater than an accusation that looks in print.” He says he does no longer give a boost to an unbiased inquiry for equivalent causes. NSW Police previous this week ended a legal investigation into the allegations because of a loss of admissible proof to continue, partly since the alleged sufferer has since died.
• SA coroner David Whittle has requested SA police to additional examine the dying of this girl, who took her personal existence in SA in 2020. Police had equipped the coroner with a case report on Monday, however the investigation used to be discovered to be “incomplete”, Whittle mentioned in a observation. He famous the want to accumulate additional knowledge on allegations contained in contemporary media reviews” the coroner mentioned in a observation. He mentioned he would resolve whether or not to carry an inquest, as soon as the investigation is whole.
• Distinguished scientists are calling for the discharge of convicted NSW kid killer Kathleen Folbigg. She used to be jailed in 2003 for murdering her youngsters Patrick, Sarah and Laura, and for the manslaughter of her son Caleb, however a petition signed by way of 90 eminent scientists says essential clinical and scientific discoveries have since been made, pointing to proof the youngsters died from herbal reasons.
• Buckingham Palace says it’ll examine allegations of bullying made by way of former workforce of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This follows a Occasions article claiming that former workforce of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been bullied out in their jobs.