Tottle found Higgins made multiple false or misleading statements in media interviews about the aftermath of her alleged rape, including about having met with police, not being offered in-person counselling and that she was, in fact, given the option to work from the Gold Coast during the 2019 election campaign.
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The justice wrote that “in [Higgins’] concern to lend credibility to the allegation of a cover-up, the defendant demonstrated such an indifference to the truth that her account of the essential elements of the allegation can only be regarded as dishonest”.
A vindicated Reynolds, outside court last month, said it was a relief to have her reputation restored.
“There was no political cover-up of rape. It is a great relief that my reputation has been finally and fully vindicated,” she said.
“However, it is disappointing that it took four and a half years, multiple court actions and millions of dollars.”
It’s expected Reynolds’ legal bill will eclipse the damages awarded to her.
Higgins, in 2022, received a $2.4 million compensation pay-out from the federal government.