What is a Stay Application in criminal cases?

• Published date: 01 March 2022
• Subject Matter: Criminal Law, Crime
• Law Firm: Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia
• Author: Ms Poppy Morandin

Scott Morrison's apology to alleged victims of sexual harassment and assault in Parliament could have serious implications for the trial concerning Brittany Higgins and her alleged rapist.

Morrison specifically named Ms Higgins in the apology commenting: "And I particularly want to acknowledge Ms Brittany Higgins, whose experience, and more importantly her courage, is the reason why we are all here today, and I want to thank her for that."

"I am sorry, we are sorry, I'm sorry to Ms Higgins, for the terrible things that took place here...the place that should've been a place of safety and contribution, turned out to be a nightmare...but I am sorry for far more than that, I'm sorry to all those who came before Ms Higgins and endured the same, but she had the courage to stand, so here we are." he continued.

Ms Higgins and other advocates were present in Parliament during the apology.

Solicitor Warwick Korn, who is acting for the former Liberal staffer, Bruce Lehrmann, who has been accused of raping Ms Higgins, has labelled the apology "a disgrace" and "extraordinarily prejudicial".

A spokesperson from the Primer Minister's office has sought to clarify the comments, stating that the apology was directed at: "the many terrible experiences Ms Higgins has detailed during her time working at Parliament House and was by no means a reflection on the matters before a court".

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