ACT government prepares to launch investigation into Lehrmann trial

ACT Prime Minister Andrew Barr is preparing to order a formal inquiry into the trial of Bruce Lehrman.

Barr said ACT Attorney General Shane Rattenberry and Director of Justice and Community Security briefed the Cabinet on Monday afternoon “about the issues raised by the actions of officials involved in the Lehrmann trial.”

Discussion of the investigation followed the release last week of a letter from ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold to ACT Police Chief Neil Gorgan. Accused of raping Brittany Higgins in the Houses of Parliament.

The Territory Government continues to advise on how to structure the investigation, as the ACT Police are a division of the Australian Federal Police and as a result cannot be referred to the local integrity commission, which was the preferred option for the ACT Government. is receiving

“The Cabinet discussed how extensive and independent research could help identify the role played by the parties involved in the trial and whether these actions were appropriate. [Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity] Investigations are ongoing,” Barr said.

“The government will provide further updates in the near future.”

Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to one count of sex without consent, and his trial was stopped in October due to jury misconduct. Plans for a second trial were abandoned earlier this month, and charges against Lehrmann were dropped due to serious concerns about Higgins’ mental health.

Drumgold’s letter to Gogan also called for a public inquiry to investigate “political and police behavior” related to the case, which has dramatically soured relations between the prosecutor’s office and ACT police. emphasize that.

The ACT Police Chief and the Federal Police Union have hit back at Drumgold’s criticism. accuses.