Brittany Higgins will not testify in the defamation case brought against her by Linda Reynolds, a court has heard.
The Liberal Party senator is suing Ms Higgins, her former aide, over a social media post in which she claimed she received no support after her rape in Parliament House in March 2019.
Ms Reynolds strongly denies the allegations and claims the messages have damaged her reputation.
Ms Higgins was due to fly from her home in France to Perth next week to give evidence in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, but on Monday her lawyer Rachael Young SC told the court her evidence was not needed to win the case.
She produced medical documents containing confidential details about Mrs Higgins’ health.
The senator’s lawyer, Martin Bennett, said he would carefully analyze the documents.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that she would not appear as a witness.
Brittany Higgins will not testify in Linda Reynolds’ defamation lawsuit against her
Just before the trial concluded on Monday, Ms Young said: “The defence will not be calling Ms Higgins.”
She said there were three reasons for the decision.
“First, the suspect is not required to provide oral evidence,” she said.
‘Secondly … we do not think we need to call on Ms Higgins to satisfy Your Honour that she is successful in these proceedings.
‘The third issue concerns Mrs Higgins’ medical condition.’
