Michaelia Cash denies knowing of alleged rape of Brittany Higgins 18 months before it became public

During her evidence in the trial of Bruce Lehrmann, senator agrees it would have been political suicide' to have covered it up

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Senator Michaelia Cash has denied that she knew of the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins more than a year before it became public in February 2021, agreeing it would be political suicide" to have covered it up.

Cash was called to give evidence on Monday in the trial of Bruce Lehrmann, a former Coalition staffer accused of raping his colleague Higgins on the couch of their then boss, former defence industry minister Linda Reynolds, in Parliament House in March 2019. Lehrmann has has pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent.

Sign up for our free morning newsletter and afternoon email to get your daily news roundup