Linda Reynolds sends formal defamation complaint to Brittany Higgins’s partner David Sharaz

Lawyers for the Liberal senator threaten to take case to WA supreme court as they pursue an apology and damages over tweets

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The Liberal senator Linda Reynolds has sent a formal defamation complaint to David Sharaz, the partner of former government staffer Brittany Higgins, over tweets her lawyers claim caused damage that “cannot be underestimated”.

Lawyers for the Reynolds have threatened to take the case to Western Australia’s supreme court as they pursue an apology and damages from the journalist, claiming he made “inaccurate and professionally damaging” criticisms of her online.

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