National Anti-Corruption Commission Clears $2.4 Million Brittany Higgins Settlement

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has cleared a $2.4 million settlement paid by the Commonwealth to former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins, following her allegations of rape at Parliament House. The NACC's extensive investigation found no evidence of corruption or improper influence by any government official in the settlement process, which was based on independent external legal advice. The commission noted that legal advice obtained during both the former Coalition government and the current Labor government was consistent, and the settlement amount was actually less than the maximum recommended by legal counsel. The payout was intended to cover Higgins' loss of earnings, legal costs, medical expenses, and compensation for hurt and distress. Concerns had been raised by figures such as Senator Linda Reynolds and former opposition leader Peter Dutton, who questioned the settlement's handling and transparency, but the watchdog found no basis for further action. The NACC emphasized that the settlement process was conducted without inappropriate ministerial intervention and aimed to avoid further trauma to Ms. Higgins.