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Brittany Higgins calls out 'disappointing' prime minister

Brittany Higgins plans to push Scott Morrison for changes to workplace culture in Parliament House when the two meet as early as next week.

The former Liberal staffer, who alleges she was raped by a colleague in a federal minister's office two years ago, has accepted an invitation to meet with the prime minister.

On Twitter Ms Higgins said "in the spirit of reform" she had accepted in the invitation to meet with the prime minister "publicly and privately".

Brittany Higgins will meet with Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Source: AAP
Brittany Higgins will meet with Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Source: AAP

"This decision wasn't made lightly," Ms Higgins said on Wednesday.

"However, things cannot be improved unless people are willing to come together and speak plainly about these difficult issues."

Ms Higgins said it was disappointing she had not heard from the prime minister's office since they initially made contact on April 6.

"I'm hopeful the meeting will proceed," she said.

"After two months, a national protest and countless other horrifying stories, the time for action is now."

Scott Morrison 'looking forward' to private meeting

Mr Morrison said organising the meeting was "in process" and claimed his staff heard from Ms Higgins last week.

"It's an important meeting. I'm looking forward to having it," he said.

"We've been obviously following up on that now, and I look forward to having a meeting arranged soon."

Mr Morrison previously said he was "looking forward" to meeting with Ms Higgins.

"I know there are a range of issues she's relayed to my chief of staff that she would like to raise and I look forward to hearing her," he said earlier this month.

In March, the prime minister offered to meet Ms Higgins after weeks of immense political pressure stemming from her allegations.

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins reacts as she attends the Women's March 4 Justice in Canberra. Source: AAP
Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins reacts as she attends the Women's March 4 Justice in Canberra. Source: AAP

In response, she said she was unaware Mr Morrison was willing to discuss her concerns about how the incident was handled.

"I welcome the opportunity to meet the prime minister to discuss how the workplace culture in Parliament House can be improved," she said at the time.

Ms Higgins triggered national debate about the treatment of women and the handling of sexual assault complaints.

She has been highly critical of senior ministers' response to her initial complaint, which has been reinstated with police.

with AAP

If you or somebody you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732, the Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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