Linda Reynolds pays compensation after calling alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins 'a lying cow'

Defence minister unreservedly apologises' and acknowledges the hurt and distress' suffered by her ex-staffer

The defence minister, Linda Reynolds, has apologised to Brittany Higgins for calling her a lying cow" and agreed to pay legal costs and make a donation to a sexual assault charity as part of a confidential settlement with her former staffer.

Reynolds, who remains on sick leave, was reported to have described Higgins as a lying cow" in her office on 15 February this year, the day Higgins went public with her claim she had been raped in the minister's office by another staffer in early 2019.