Linda Reynolds claims death of Kimberley Kitching connected to her knowledge of Brittany Higgins’ rape claim

Senator Linda Reynolds has made the sensational claim that the death of Labor politician Kimberley Kitching was connected to her knowledge of Brittany Higgins’ rape claim — and her decision not to tell senior Labor figures about it.

In bombshell evidence given on day three of her defamation claim against Ms Higgins, Senator Reynolds was asked about the moment in 2021 when she was told that Labor was aware of the incident in her office two years previously.

She told WA’s Supreme Court that moment came in the Senate chamber when Senator Kitching approached her and told her that Labor intended to “rain hell” upon her and the Liberal Party.

The topic they intended to use, according to the Senator, was the reported rape of Ms Higgins by her former staffer Bruce Lehrmann.

“I was completely incredulous — why would anybody weaponise such an incident?” Ms Reynolds said.

“I still can’t find the words to describe — even for Labor — and they have pulled some pretty nasty stunts. But this — I actually found it hard to believe.”

Ms Reynolds then told the court that Ms Kitching relayed to her that she had found out about the incident via an anonymous letter sent to her, alleging the incident was subsequently mishandled.

And she then handed that letter to the AFP.

“Penny Wong was incredibly angry with her because she had given the letter to the AFP, instead of her,” Ms Reynolds said.

“Because Labor could have weaponised it. Senator Kitching was genuinely angered and upset by what Penny Wong had said she was going to do.”

At this point in the evidence, Senator Reynolds said she felt tired and also complained she could feel her blood pressure rising, and asked if she could take a break.

“This is a particularly emotional point — as it led to Senator Kitching’s death,” she said, before being granted a break.

Senator Kitching died in 2022 from a heart attack. And it was later reported that before her death she had told a parliament-employed workplace trainer she was being bullied by Senate Labor colleagues.

Those mentioned in subsequent reports included the ALP’s Senate leadership — senators Wong, Kristina Keneally and Katy Gallagher.

They subsequently denied the allegations, calling the claims “untrue” and “hurtful”.