Brittany Higgins’ partner David Sharaz proposes on the Byron Bay lighthouse

Brittany Higgins’ partner has proposed to her atop the iconic Cape Bryon Bay lighthouse, where the two are celebrating their engagement on New Year’s Eve.

David Sharaz, 29, got on one knee to ask the former Liberal Party staffer, 28, to be his wife in a romantic moment at sunset on Saturday.

A beaming Ms. Higgins in an elegant black dress and sand-colored heels was seen clutching a bouquet of red roses on the lighthouse balcony as she said “yes”.

Brittany Higgins’ partner has proposed to her atop the iconic Cape Bryon Bay lighthouse, where the two are celebrating their engagement on New Year’s Eve

When Mr Sharaz – in a white shirt, light blue jeans and a cream jacket – got back to his feet, the couple in love embraced and kissed passionately.

The two lovebirds continued to capture the fairytale moment before being congratulated by their loved ones.

The gang then descended the lighthouse steps and walked the streets of the north coast town in high winds, which didn’t dampen the spirits.

Following the marriage proposal, the former press gallery journalist and his bride-to-be went for a double celebration with friends and family.

They will now party the night away, toasting their engagement and the new year.

Cape Bryon Bay’s famous lighthouse is situated on Australia’s most easterly point on the extreme north coast of NSW on a rocky promontory.

David Sharaz got on one knee to ask the 28-year-old former Liberal Party staffer to be his wife in a romantic moment at sunset on Saturday

Ms Higgins nodded and smiled in agreement after Mr Sharaz popped the question

The proposal comes just two weeks after Ms Higgins reached a confidential settlement with the Commonwealth over claims she was sexually assaulted by a colleague at Parliament House in 2019.

Attorney Noor Blumer, acting for Ms Higgins, made a brief statement at the time.

“In an arbitration held today, the Commonwealth and Ms Higgins settled their claims,” ​​Ms Blumer said.

“At the request of Ms. Higgins, the parties have agreed that the terms of the settlement are confidential.”

Earlier in December, Ms Higgins’ civil complaint named three defendants: Senators Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash, and the Commonwealth. Senator Reynolds is believed to have since been removed from the claim.

The documents set out Ms. Higgins’ intention to sue for sexual harassment, gender discrimination, disability discrimination, negligence and victimization.

At that time, the claim was estimated to be worth approximately US$3 million, including US$2.5 million for future economic losses, approximately US$100,000 in past economic losses and US$100,000 in general damages .

The pair continued talking and kissing in the fairytale moment, with the NSW coastal winds not spoiling the romantic mood (pictured).

David Sharaz got on one knee (pictured) atop the Bryon Bay lighthouse at sunset on Saturday

Ms Higgins alleges she was raped in 2019 by Bruce Lehrmann at Senator Reynolds’ ministerial office, for which they both worked as clerks.

Mr. Lehrmann has always denied the allegation.

His trial before the ACT Supreme Court was derailed by jury misconduct.

Prosecutors decided not to take any further action.

After the 2019 general election, Ms Higgins moved to the office of then Labor Secretary Michaelia Cash to work as a media adviser.

Mr. Lehrmann is also considering an insurance claim and a defamation lawsuit.

ACT’s chief prosecutor, Shane Drumgold, has also raised concerns about “political and police conduct” in the case.

ACT Attorney General Shane Rattenbury confirmed that the matter has been referred to the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity for further investigation.

Mr Sharaz wore a casual white shirt and cream jacket with light blue jeans

Miss Higgins wore a black scoop neck dress for the occasion, with elegant sheer sand colored heels and a matching clutch bag (pictured).

Friends of the couple in love were seen congratulating the couple in love, laughing and hugging them and taking photos

“I am aware that the matter has been escalated… It is therefore not appropriate to make any further comments at this time,” he said in a statement.

The police union has previously criticized Mr Drumgold’s office for criticizing the Australian Federal Police and ACT policing who were investigating the matter.

In a statement, Australian Federal Police Association President Alex Caruana said the union “wholeheartedly” supports an inquest into Mr Lehrmann’s trial.

But he said “desperate attempts” to frame police forces by the territory’s chief prosecutor were untested and subject to an internal investigation.

In a document released under freedom of information laws, Mr Drumgold wrote that police had engaged in a campaign to pressure him not to prosecute Mr Lehrmann over Ms Higgins’ allegation.