Linda Reynolds says failed mediation with Brittany Higgins disappointing for those ‘damaged and wounded by this saga’

Defamation case now likely to head to trial, with former defence minister saying it’s time for ‘us all to find a way to move on’

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A pair of high-profile defamation cases pitting Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds against her former political staffer Brittany Higgins and her fiance are likely to head to trial after mediation talks were unsuccessful.

The former defence minister, who plans to retire from politics at the next election, is suing Higgins and David Sharaz over a series of social media posts she says have damaged her reputation.