Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Keneally for the question. I can advise as follows. I can advise the Senate that AFP Commissioner Kershaw first advised Minister Dutton of Ms Higgins's allegations on Thursday 11 February 2021. This was the first time the minister was advised of Ms Higgins's allegations. The minister received further verbal updates from Commissioner Kershaw during last week and this week. I am advised that the minister's office was not aware of Ms Higgins's allegations prior to the minister's briefing from Commissioner Kershaw on 11 February 2021. As senators would know, the handling of allegations and investigation of criminal conduct, including briefing to ministers, is a matter for the Australian Federal Police. Nevertheless, the minister has sought and received assurances from the Commissioner of the AFP that the investigation will leave no stone unturned.