Defence minister Linda Reynolds extended her medical leave beyond March 8
Ms Reynolds was taken to hospital for pre-exisiting heart condition February 24
She was advised by her doctor to take extra time off because of medication
Ms Reynolds came under fire after referring to Brittany Higgins as a lying cow
Brittany Higgins has alleged she was raped by a senior colleague in 2019
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has apologised for calling alleged rape victim Brittany Higgins a lying cow .
Senator Reynolds made the tasteless comments in her office area within earshot of several staff members and public servants on February 15.
It was the same day Miss Higgins went public with allegations a senior colleague raped her in Senator Reynolds Parliament House office after a night out in March, 2019.
Miss Higgins threatened to sue over the hurtful comment on Thursday unless the minister, who is on stress leave, apologised.
Senator Reynolds released a statement on Friday saying she was deeply sorry . In response to a letter from Ms Higgins lawyers yesterday afternoon, discussions are now underway through our legal representatives in an effort to resolve this matter as soon as possible, with any resolution to include an apology.
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 .
Brittany Higgins asked her lawyer to prepare a defamation case against the Defence Minister Linda Reynolds unless she apologises for the distasteful character assassination .