Linda Reynolds welcomes Brittany Higgins’ ‘olive branch’ but says without concessions she will go to trial

I sincerely hope that Justice Lee’s findings in relation to Ms Higgins’ allegation of rape will give her peace.”

But Reynolds said the fight to defend her reputation against allegations she had “failed to support Ms Higgins” and had instead “subjected her to a dreadful and damaging political cover-up” came at “enormous emotional and financial cost”.

“If Ms Higgins does not accept Justice Lee’s findings on the claims of cover-up and mistreatment then, regrettably, it will have to be proved again in our trial set for July this year.”

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The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, told ABC’s Insiders he thought Higgins’ statement was “gracious” after saying Reynolds has “absolutely been vindicated” earlier in the week.

Higgins thanked Lee on Saturday for his careful judgment, and said she respected his observations about the people “scarred and damaged” in the aftermath of her rape.