Former political staffer Brittany Higgins and her fiancé David Sharaz face financial ruin after being ordered to pay millions in legal costs following Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case.
Federal Court Delivers Crushing Blow
The Federal Court has officially registered the costs order against Higgins and Sharaz, requiring them to cover approximately $3 million in legal expenses incurred during Lehrmann's high-profile defamation proceedings. This decision comes after Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson successfully defended against Lehrmann's lawsuit earlier this year.
Court documents reveal that both Higgins and Sharaz have been served with bankruptcy notices, giving them just 21 days to respond before creditors can initiate formal bankruptcy proceedings. The timing couldn't be worse for the couple, who recently relocated to France following the intense media scrutiny surrounding their case.
The Financial Fallout
The massive legal bill stems from Lehrmann's unsuccessful defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson over their reporting of Higgins' rape allegations. While Ten and Wilkinson prevailed in court, the costs have now been passed down to Higgins and Sharaz through a complex legal chain.
Legal experts describe the situation as particularly dire given the sheer size of the debt and the limited time frame for response. "When you're facing a $3 million costs order and bankruptcy notices, you're essentially looking at financial annihilation," said one Sydney-based insolvency lawyer who requested anonymity.
The couple's options appear severely limited. They can attempt to negotiate a payment plan with Lehrmann's legal team, challenge the bankruptcy notices in court, or face the very real prospect of being declared bankrupt - a status that would have significant implications for their financial future and ability to work in certain professions.
Broader Implications for Political Figures
This development marks another dramatic chapter in the saga that began with Higgins' allegations of being raped in Parliament House in 2019. The case has already triggered multiple investigations, political fallout, and now potentially life-altering financial consequences for those involved.
The situation raises important questions about the financial risks faced by whistleblowers and those who become central figures in high-stakes legal battles. Legal costs in major defamation cases regularly reach into the millions, creating barriers for ordinary citizens seeking justice through the courts.
As the 21-day deadline ticks down, all eyes will be on whether Higgins and Sharaz can mount a legal challenge or reach a settlement that avoids bankruptcy. The outcome could set important precedents for how costs are managed in similar high-profile cases involving political figures and media organizations.
The case continues to resonate through Australian political and legal circles, serving as a stark reminder of the personal and financial stakes involved when private matters become public controversies.
