Brittany Higgins criticises federal inaction as Victoria moves to protect victim-survivors’ counselling records
Brittany Higgins has criticised the federal government's inaction on sexual violence reforms, calling its lack of response to a major legal review 'disheartening', as Victoria moves to strengthen protections for victim-survivors' counselling records. Higgins described the subpoenaing of her own therapy notes during a criminal case as a profound violation. The Victorian government has committed to reforming laws around pre-recorded evidence and confidentiality of therapeutic communications following advocacy efforts. Meanwhile, the federal government has yet to formally respond to 64 recommendations made by the Australian Law Reform Commission in 2025.
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Brittany Higgins says having her counselling records subpoenaed by police ‘felt like such a violation’. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAPView image in fullscreenBrittany Higgins says having her counselling records subpoenaed by police ‘felt like such a violation’. Photograph: Dean Lewins/AAPVictoriaBrittany Higgins criticises federal inaction as Victoria moves to protect victim-survivors’ counselling recordsExclusive: State government commits to strengthening laws as Higgins labels Albanese government’s response to women’s safety issues ‘disheartening’ Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Benita Kolovos Victorian state correspondentTue 28 Apr 2026 11.00 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 11.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe Victorian government will strengthen…
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