The ACT government faces criticism over the release of a landmark report into the justice system and a possible damages claim for the handling of the rape case against ex-Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann.
The findings from the inquiry into the way the ACT legal system dealt with Brittany Higgins’ rape allegation against her former colleague will be released next week.
But a number of media outlets received the report from the board of inquiry – headed by former Queensland judge Walter Sofronoff – without permission from or the knowledge of the territory government.
The government said that action, which led to widespread early reporting on the findings, had “affected the inquiry process and harmed people involved”.
ACT director of public prosecutions Shane Drumgold, who was reportedly criticised in the findings, said he had not received the report.
Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann told multiple media outlets he was preparing to sue the ACT government over his prosecution.
“I’ve instructed my solicitors to prepare a statement of claim against the state,” he said.
“I’ve got lawyers that need to be paid, people who have supported me, like my mum and uncle, who need to be supported.
“I’m not interested in becoming a millionaire, but I do want to perhaps get on with my life and maybe buy a house.”
Mr Lehrmann was charged with raping Ms Higgins at Parliament House after a night out in 2019, but he has always denied the allegations.
His trial was aborted in October due to juror misconduct and prosecutors later dropped the charge over fears about the impact of a second trial on Ms Higgins’ mental health.
ACT Liberal leader Elizabeth Lee said there was a legal obligation for people with adverse findings made against them in a report to be notified.
But she called on the government to immediately release the report after the disclosure of its findings.
“If there is going to be some adverse findings in this report, the people who are affected should have already been notified,” Ms Lee said.
Opposition frontbencher Simon Birmingham lamented the way the matter had been “politicised”.
“That’s where the ACT government, from this latest report, really needs to make sure they are comprehensive in addressing it,” he said.
“And ensure that they give far greater confidence to people in future to do what ultimately is the right thing and that is to report any crimes and do so first and foremost to the police.”
Mr Drumgold has taken leave until the end of the month while the government considers the findings.
The ACT government was contacted for comment.
By Tess Ikonomou in Canberra
