Labor operative became part of Brittany Higgins’ inner circle following bombshell rape allegations
How a mysterious Labor agent became part of Brittany Higgins’ inner circle after rape allegations
- Close friend of Brittany Higgins revealed as Labor adviser
- Emma Webster worked with Katy Gallagher, Dan Andrews
- She is the last Labor-bound person linked to Ms Higgins
A woman who took center stage in Brittany Higgins’ inner circle following her rape allegations has turned out to be a top Labor Party operative.
Emma Webster became one of Ms Higgins’ closest friends and trusted advisers during the ordeal, following her every day during Bruce Lehrmann’s criminal trial last October.
The former Liberal Party staffer alleges Mr Lehrmann sexually assaulted her in Senator Linda Reynolds’ office at Parliament House in the early hours of March 23, 2019, when they were colleagues. Mr. Lehrmann strongly denies the allegation.
Before befriending Ms Higgins, Ms Webster worked for a range of Labor heavyweights including Victorian Prime Minister Dan Andrews, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Chancellor of the Exchequer Katy Gallagher when she was ACT Minister in 2014.
It remains unclear how Ms. Higgins and the senior adviser became such close friends.
Mrs. Webster was often pictured with Mrs. Higgins during the Bruce Lehrmann trial. Pictures of the couple have also appeared on social media
Emma Webster (left), a close friend of Brittany Higgins (centre), has been revealed as a former adviser to former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews and Chancellor of the Exchequer Katy Gallagher
As part of her duties, Ms Webster would advise on strategy and parliamentary preparation.
Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz have shared gushing posts about Ms Webster joining their ‘family’.
“You are an incredible friend, a wise counselor, a patient therapist and an imposing bodyguard (if needed),” Ms. Higgins tweeted.
Ms Webster was asked by Sky News if she had been sent to help Ms Higgins handle media and political oversight during her ordeal and vehemently denied the claims.
Brittany is my friend. She told me about her alleged assault and I offered my unconditional love and support.”
Mrs. Webster worked for Mrs. Gallagher (pictured) when she was Prime Minister of the ACT. Ms Gallagher was mentioned by Ms Higgins’ fiancé, David Sharaz, as a ‘friend’ who could help the couple in a recording obtained by Daily Mail Australia
Just two weeks before the sexual assault allegation aired on The Project in February 2021, Ms Higgins’ partner, David Sharaz, asked presenter Lisa Wilkinson if she knew any “friendly MPs” who could put questions to the then Liberal government during question time.
Revealed in recorded audio by Daily Mail Australia of the five-hour luncheon, Mr Sharaz then told Ms Wilkinson and network producer Angus Llewellyn: ‘I have a friend at Labor, Katy Gallagher on the Labor side, who will look into it and continue. .
“So sit for a week, the story gets out, they have to answer questions during question time, it’s a mess for them.”
Ms Gallagher vehemently denied having any knowledge of the allegations against Mr Lehrmann before they were made public.
The Labor heavyweight has also denied playing any part in giving the go-ahead to the estimated $3 million payout to Ms Higgins, which was signed by the government in December last year.
Senator Reynolds said on Wednesday she plans to file the settlement with the new federal anti-corruption commission, saying the speed of the process raises concerns about “fairness.”