Brittany Higgins’ partner David Sharaz proposes with roses and candles at the Byron Bay lighthouse

Pictures show that Brittany Higgins’ new fiancé has covered the interior of Australia’s most famous lighthouse in rose petals and candles for his romantic proposal.

David Shiraz, 29, put the question to the former Liberal Party staffer on the top of the Byron Bay lighthouse at sunset on Saturday.

Ms Higgins, 28, arrived at the landmark accompanied by a close friend and wore a black cocktail dress and sand-colored heels as she climbed the stairs, which were dotted with pictures of the couple in happy times.

At the top, a waiting Mr. Shiraz swept Ms. Higgins off her feet with a bouquet of red roses as he got on one knee and presented her with a sparkling diamond ring.

Brittany Higgins and David Shiraz kissed to seal their engagement on Saturday at the top of Byron Bay Lighthouse (pictured)

The former Canberra Press Gallery reporter covered the lighthouse’s interior staircase with candles, rose petals and photos of the couple (pictured).

Ms Higgin accepted and the pair sealed their engagement with a passionate kiss as the former press gallery journalist, who now works at Southern Cross Austereo, got back on his feet.

Byron Bay Lighthouse is famous for being on Australia’s most easterly point – it gets some of the first rays of dawn light and spectacular afternoon sunsets.

Mr Shiraz, dressed in a smart cream blazer and jeans, walked down the steps with his bride-to-be as waiting friends and family congratulated them.

The gang then traveled to Byron Bay, where they popped champagne and celebrated the New Year with a large group.

The engagement signals a fresh start for Ms Higgins, who just two weeks ago reached a confidential settlement with the Commonwealth over claims she was sexually assaulted by a colleague at Parliament House in 2019.

“So happy to spend a lifetime with you,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the proposal.

Mr Shiraz snapped a photo of Ms Higgins arriving as he was waiting at the top of the lighthouse (pictured).

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

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 Ms. Higgins’ request, the parties have agreed that the terms of the settlement are confidential,” he said.

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, sex discrimination, disability discrimination, negligence and victimization arising out of her allegations that she was raped by another staff member at Parliament House and the resulting consequences.

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

Ms Higgins was seen clutching a bouquet of red roses and wearing her dazzling engagement ring

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 .

Earlier this year, Ms Higgins said Mr Sharaz has been her “rock” and “best friend” during the turbulent period.

On Sunday, a stream of high-profile Australians congratulated her on the engagement.

“I’m here for all of this! Great news,” wrote former Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones.

‘Nice start to 2023! I wish you both nothing but love and happiness,” wrote Winter Olympian turned politician Zali Steggal.

“Nothing but love and happiness for both of you,” added The Block judge Shaynna Blaze.

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