Linda Reynolds’ defamation case against her former colleague Brittany Higgins continues in the Supreme Court of Western Australia from 10.30am local time (12.30pm AEST).
The case revolves around social media posts made by Ms Higgins and her husband, David Sharaz, in 2022 and 2023, which the Liberal senator says damaged her reputation.
In April, a federal court judge ruled that Ms Higgins was likely raped by her former colleague Bruce Lehrmann in the Houses of Parliament in March 2019. The rape occurred on a couch in Ms Reynolds’ office.
Ms Higgins has long maintained that Ms Reynolds and her former chief of staff Fiona Brown did not support her after her attack. Ms Reynolds and Ms Brown maintain that they did try to support her.
Social media posts criticised Ms Reynolds’ handling of the rape allegations.
The trial began on Friday and will last four weeks.
Ms. Reynolds began her testimony on Monday, which will last until Wednesday morning before her cross-examination begins.
While Mrs. Reynolds was on the witness stand, Brittany Higgins posted a message on Instagram.
The message was a screenshot of a book she had co-authored, titled How Many More Women by Jennifer Robinson and Keina Yoshida.
The book is about laws around the world that silence female victims.
Mrs. Higgins’ rape story was included in the book, but was omitted from the original version because of the impending trial.
The book is now being reissued, including Mrs. Higgins’ story.
She captioned the post: “Interesting reading.”
Ms Reynolds’ lawyer, Martin Bennett, subsequently became furious about the post.
He said: ‘While my client was giving evidence, Ms Higgins posted a message on social media.’
He said Ms Reynolds’ summons would be amended again to include “aggravating” comments.
“If Ms Higgins feels she can provide a running commentary on my client, that is grossly inappropriate,” he told the court.
“You would hope that someone would advise Ms Higgins to stop commenting.”
Ms Higgins’ lawyer Rachael Young SC said the message was a repetition of a published book and not an “explicit reference to today’s proceedings”.
Mr Bennett said: ‘It’s about timing and connection.’
Judge Tottle said he would deal with the submissions when the time came.