Brittany Higgins versus Linda Reynolds: Mediation to be held between senator, ... trends now
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Senator Linda Reynolds and her former staffer Brittany Higgins appeared to be heading for a trial in their defamation battle, but now there is new hope they may be able to reach a settlement.
Western Australia's Supreme Court has listed a mediation conference for May 21 between Ms Reynolds, Ms Higgins and her fiance David Sharaz.
It is not yet known whether the trio will have to appear in person for the mediation talks.
The case still has a strategic conference planned for this Friday, as well as May 24, and trial dates listed from July 24.
Senator Reynolds has been suing Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz for defamation over several social media posts they published in 2022 and 2023, following Ms Higgins' claims she was raped in Parliament House by her then-colleague Bruce Lehrmann.
Senator Linda Reynolds and her former staffer Brittany Higgins appeared to be heading for a trial in their defamation battle
But during a directions hearing in the WA Supreme Court last week, Mr Sharaz revealed he would no longer contest the case because he could not afford it.
'Despite our best efforts, Linda Reynolds has not accepted attempts to resolve this matter through mediation and Brittany may now be exposed to another trial. It will be her third,' he said in a statement posted to social media.
'I cannot afford to pay legal costs to defend myself over a six-week trial.
'As a result, I have today informed the court that I will not fight Reynolds' legal action anymore.
'I now appeal for Senator Reynolds to settle her litigation against Brittany, a rape victim, by agreeing to
