Katy Gallagher denies misleading parliament as she blasts ‘giddy’ reaction to Brittany Higgins texts

Finance minister tells Senate she has always acted ethically and with basic human decency on all matters to do with Ms Higgins'

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

Katy Gallagher has denied misleading parliament over her knowledge of Brittany Higgins' rape allegation, hitting back at the Coalition over their giddy" reaction to leaked text messages.

The minister for finance and women made a personal explanation to the Senate on Tuesday, after Peter Dutton claimed Labor had used the complaint for political purposes" and conspired" to maximise the damage to the Morrison government.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup