Brittany Higgins shares rare snaps from college graduation days after receiving a multi-million dollar payout

Brittany Higgins has celebrated her university degree just days after leaving hospital and reaching a multi-million dollar settlement with the Commonwealth.

Ms Higgins shared a rare glimpse into her personal life with a series of photos from her graduation ceremony at Griffith University in the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The former federal government worker took to Instagram to share photos of her holding a giant teddy bear and posing with her parents and partner at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Center in Queensland.

“It’s been a journey, but we’re finally here,” she told her Instagram followers.

“My university experience was unconventional, but I couldn’t be prouder to share this day with the people who helped me get here.

“Thank you to everyone who has offered their time and expertise to me over the years – from faculty to professional mentors.”

Brittany Higgins (pictured) has been celebrating her graduation days after receiving a multi-million dollar compensation payment

The former federal government worker took to Instagram on Saturday to share snaps of her with a giant teddy bear at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Center

Ms Higgins thanked several organizations for providing opportunities including the local MP office “which gave me my first real chance in politics”.

Congratulating Ms. Higgins on her graduation, Lisa Wilkinson, formerly of The Project, commented: “You are an extraordinary Britt. Congratulations’.

Her partner David Sharaz also shared a sweet photo from the ceremony and said he was “impressed” with her performance.

“Cheers to this absolute queen who got her double degree today,” he wrote.

“Somehow she managed to start and complete four assignments during a criminal case and snag awards along the way. I’m in awe, endlessly. Loving You.’

Ms. Higgins studied a double degree at Griffith University and was first introduced to politics through a mentoring program at the school.

Her university degree comes just days after Ms Higgins settled her claim against the Commonwealth and received a confidential payment after initially seeking about $3 million in damages.

Commenting on Ms Higgins’ post to celebrate her graduation, former The Project presenter Lisa Wilkinson wrote: “You are an extraordinary Britt. Congratulations

Ms Higgins (pictured with her parents) said her university experience “has been unconventional” but she is proud to share her degree with her supporters

Solicitor Noor Blumer, acting for Ms Higgins, issued a brief statement on Tuesday.

“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.

Her partner David Sharaz also shared with Ms Higgins a picture from Saturday’s ceremony and said he was “impressed” with her performance

Brittany Higgins (pictured) was compensated by the Commonwealth on Tuesday for alleged sexual assault in Parliament in March 2019

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 .

None of those numbers were released on Tuesday.

The alleged incident took place in Linda Reynolds’ office in Parliament (pictured together)

“The parties welcome the fact of the settlement,” said Ms. Blumer.

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.

The trial of Bruce Lehrmann (pictured) was derailed by jury misconduct and prosecutors dropped the charges citing Ms Higgins’ health. He has denied the allegations

“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 slammed Mr Drumgold’s office for criticizing the Australian Federal Police and ACT policing, which have been 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.