Linda Reynolds justifies sharing Brittany Higgins’ documents

Senator Linda Reynolds sent confidential documents regarding Brittany Higgins to journalist Janet Albrechtsen because she believed the attorney-general was “stitching her up.” Reynolds used her personal Gmail account to share three documents related to Higgins’ commonwealth settlement. She chose Albrechtsen due to her perceived balance, denying any agreement for favorable reporting. Reynolds wanted to counter Higgins’ claims and reveal what she believed was corruption. Despite initial anger, she denied any intention to question Higgins’ settlement. Reynolds clarified her motivation was to address the attorney-general’s actions, not attack Higgins.

During questioning, Reynolds denied using her personal email to conceal her actions and expressed satisfaction with Albrechtsen’s subsequent article. She emphasized the importance of exposing corruption within the government. Higgins’ defense focused on the truth and public interest, following her allegations against colleague Bruce Lehrmann. The criminal trial related to Lehrmann’s case faced complications due to juror misconduct.