Former prime minister Scott Morrison could appear as a trial witness as a Liberal senator pursues Brittany Higgins over alleged defamatory remarks.
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Former defence minister Linda Reynolds is suing Ms Higgins over a series of social media posts she says have damaged her reputation.
Mediation has failed to resolve the high-profile case, which returned to the WA Supreme Court for a directions hearing on Tuesday ahead of a trial in the coming months.
Outside court, Senator Reynolds told media she was at the court to demonstrate her determination to take the matter to trial and "finally get justice".
"Not only to clear my name but also to get justice for the many people whose lives have been destroyed," the senator said.
"It's absolutely essential that all parties accept Justice Lee's findings, all of his findings, so that the many people who have been damaged by this whole saga can get justice and to get peace."
Senator Reynolds said Ms Higgins' claims had "taken a huge toll on my mental and my physical health, and that of my family and former staff".
"These allegations of conspiracy and mistreatment are causing ongoing damage to far too many people and it has to stop.
"That is why I'm so determined that if we cannot reach settlement we will certainly be going to trial next month."
Justice Michael Lee's judgment in Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson found there "was never any political conspiracy and that Ms Higgins was looked after by myself, and particularly by my chief of staff, Fiona Brown", Senator Reynolds said.
"It is time that those people who have perpetuated that, agree they were wrong and apologise so that we can all move on."
Senator Reynolds said she had been well supported by her federal Liberal Party colleagues since the allegations surfaced in 2021.
"I've been particularly grateful in recent times, for the support from Scott Morrison, and for many other colleagues who will be witnesses in this trial," she said.
Senator Reynolds' lawyer Martin Bennett said he has filed 17 witness outlines for the trial that does not have a firm start date, and Mr Morrison is among them.
"He's prepared to give evidence. He'll be overseas on time so can we do it remotely," he said.
He said there were five more witness outlines to file, and hinted that senator Michaelia Cash could also be a witness at the trial.
Mr Morrison may not be required to take the stand if Ms Higgins agrees with his evidence, Mr Bennett said.
Australian Associated Press
