Brittany Higgins (pictured) went public with allegations that a colleague raped her
Scott Morrison has criticised Defence Minister Linda Reynolds for calling alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins a 'lying cow' - but refused to sack her.
Speaking at a battery factory in the New South Wales Hunter Valley on Thursday, the prime minister said she was under 'significant stress' when she made comments.
'She deeply regrets it. They were offensive remarks. She should never have made them. I don't condone them,' Mr Morrison said.
Miss Higgins said the comments were 'incredibly hurtful' and were further evidence of a 'toxic workplace culture behind close doors at parliament house'.