Peter Dutton says that he chose NOT to tell Scott Morrison about alleged rape of Brittany Higgins

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton knew about an alleged rape at Parliament House but said he chose not to tell the prime minister about so he wouldn’t compromise a potential police investigation.

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has made a formal complaint to police that she was raped by a colleague at Parliament House in 2019.

Mr Dutton has confirmed Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw informed him about the alleged assault on February 11, four days before the prime minister says he was told.

Peter Dutton (pictured) has said he was briefed on the allegations from Brittany Higgins by the AFP but chose not to tell Scott Morrison because the case was ‘she said, he said’ 

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has made a formal complaint to police that she was raped by a colleague at Parliament House in 2019 

Scott Morrison believes the culture within Parliament House has to change as he and his government remain under scrutiny over the handling of the matter (pictured with Ms Higgins)  

Ms Higgins spoke to police on February 5, with the AFP then informing Mr Dutton because it was a politically sensitive investigation.

He decided not to tell Scott Morrison because it was an operational matter for police.

‘I took a decision that I wasn’t going to disclose that to the prime minister,’ Mr Dutton told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

‘I think that was the right decision.’

Mr Dutton regularly receives briefings from Mr Kershaw.

‘I don’t instruct him how to conduct his investigations, I don’t impede his investigations, I don’t seek to influence his investigations,’ the minister said.

Mr Dutton decided to tell Mr Morrison’s office about the rape allegations on February 12 after media enquiries.

Ms Higgins revealed the sexual assault allegation last week and on Wednesday reinstated her complaint.

Ms Higgins’ partner Mr Sharaz (pictured) is a journalist with extensive experience working for SBS, Sky News and regional broadcaster Win 

Three other women have since alleged they were assaulted by the same man.

He was sacked as a ministerial adviser because of a security breach on the night of Ms Higgins’ alleged rape.

Mr Morrison said his office first knew of the allegation on February 12 but staff took almost three days to notify him.

Cabinet ministers Michaelia Cash and Linda Reynolds were also aware before the prime minister.

Senator Reynolds, who employed Ms Higgins at the time of the alleged assault, is now on indefinite medical leave after advice from her cardiologist.

Brittany Higgins (pictured) claimed she was assaulted by a male colleague inside their boss Defence Minister Linda Reynolds’ office in 2019 when she was 24

She was admitted to Canberra Hospital hours before she was due to appear at the National Press Club.

Mr Morrison and Mr Dutton are standing by the minister.

Senator Reynolds has been under intense pressure about her handling of the issue and was forced to correct the record about how many times she met with police in April 2019.

Ms Higgins is hopeful the ‘terrible situation’ will lead to fundamental reform of the laws around employing staff and cultural change

‘I genuinely hope Linda Reynolds is okay and wish her all the best with her recovery,’ she tweeted.

The issue has dominated the parliamentary sitting fortnight with a slew of inquiries initiated to look at complaints processes and culture.

Mr Morrison has rejected suggestions there is a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ culture within the government.

‘I have been open about what is a very sensitive matter, a truly very sensitive and serious matter,’ he said.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese is set to continue pressuring the government about the prime minister’s knowledge of the incident on Thursday. 

Brittany Higgins (pictured left) took a job with Employment Minister Michaelia Cash (right) after the 2019 election