The mystery of how Peter Dutton knew about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations before the story broke has been solved - the AFP tipped him off. auspol
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton was tipped off by AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw to the allegation that Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins was raped in Parliament House on February 11 under “sensitive investigation” disclosure guidelines because she contacted police six days earlier.
News.com.au understands that Ms Higgins unwittingly triggered the process when she contacted the AFP after she quit her job on February 5 to signal she was considering reopening the investigation. But what she didn’t know was that by signalling to police she may reignite the politically explosive allegations she was raped at Parliament House was that the AFP were duty bound to inform the Home Affairs Minister under new guidelines. Ms Higgins spoke to police in Canberra around February 5 to tell them she was considering reopening the investigation but did not say she had made her mind up. Regardless, her inquiry immediately triggered sensitive investigation guidelines given they could prove politically explosive. The AFP then held a Sensitive Investigations Board meeting on February 11 that was chaired by AFP deputy commissioner Investigations Ian McArtney.Peter Dutton during Question Time in the House of Representatives in Parliament House Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary RamageMr Dutton revealed for the first time today that he was informed of the alleged rape on February 11, just 24 hours before news.com.au lodged questions with the Prime Minister’s office. He did not alert the Prime Minister’s office and Scott Morrison said even his office did not tell him until the story broke online at 8 am on Monday, February 15. An AFP “sensitive investigation” is a process of inquiry that: involves, or is likely to impact on and/or be of significant interest to Australia’s international relationships or agreements, the operation or administration of the federal government or parliament, or a state, territory, local or foreign government or parliament, an elected member, associate or staff member of an elected member, election candidate, senior or prominent member of a public service entity, of a federal, state, territory, local or foreign government or parliament, a professional journalist or news media organisation or possibly would be, of significant interest to the Australian communityThe AFP National Guideline on sensitive investigations outlines the policy on “sensitive investigations”. “The AFP operates in a complex and challenging environment to perform functions as set out in s. 8 of the AFP Act. The AFP at times conducts investigations which can be defined as a sensitive investigation,’’ it states. “These investigations can significantly affect: Australia’s national reputation, international relationships, economy or environment, the operation or administration of an Australian or foreign government or agency, legislature or judiciary, political or public policy through increased, prolonged or ongoing public or political discourse. “Due to their nature or the operating environment, some sensitive investigations require additional oversight.”
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