VIThe Treatment of the Government Response
875 As I mentioned when making observations as to the credit of Ms Wilkinson (Section F.8), there was a substantive response received by the Project team.
876 The following exchanges took place between Mr Andrew Carswell, the media director for the PMO and Mr Llewellyn (Ex R716):
Mr Carswell (14 February 2021 at 4:20pm):
Hi Angus. Andrew Carswell from the PM's office.
Love to chat when you have a second.
Mr Llewellyn (14 February 2021, time unknown):
Will give you a bell very soon Andrew.
Cheers
Angus
Andrew Carswell (14 February 2021 at 10:03pm):
Here tis [sic]. Apologies for the delay.
Please quote a government spokesperson.
[first version of statement provided]
Please let me know if you have further questions or need more on the record or on background.
Angus Llewellyn (14 February 2021, time unknown):
Thanks Andrew.
Andrew Carswell (15 February 2021 at 11:16am):
Hi Angus, we have made some changes to the statement. I'll send in 10 mins.
***
The Government takes all matters of workplace safety very seriously. Everyone should feel safe in a workplace.
Reports today of an alleged sexual assault in 2019 in a Minister's office are deeply distressing. Throughout the entire process the overriding concern for Government was to support Ms Higgins' welfare in whatever way possible.
We understand this matter is under consideration by the police. This is an important step that the Government has consistently supported from the outset and we will await the outcome of this process.
At all times, guidance was sought from Ms Higgins as to how she wished to proceed, and to support and respect her decisions. This important best practice principle of empowering Ms Higgins is something that the Government has always sought to follow.
