Brittany Higgins has made moves towards a career in business just days after graduating university.
The former political staffer revealed that she would be studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Sydney.
Ms Higgins shared the news on Instagram, saying that she was “officially a @sydney_uni MBA student!”
She only celebrated her graduation from Griffith University four days ago, sharing images from the ceremony with supporters.
“It has been a journey but we’re finally here,” she said on Instagram.
“My university experience has been an unconventional one, but I couldn’t be more proud to share this day with the people who helped get me here.
“Thank-you to everyone who lent their time and expertise over the years – from lecturers to professional mentors.”
Ms Higgins has also recently settled her claim against the commonwealth for an undisclosed amount.
She initially sought $3m in damages from the government for future and past economic losses.
News of her next moves comes weeks after it was announced that the rape case against her former colleague Bruce Lehrmann had been abandoned.
Ms Higgins accused Mr Lehrmann of sexually assaulting her in the ministerial office of Linda Reynolds at Parliament House after a night of drinking with colleagues in March 2019.
Mr Lehrmann, who strenuously denies having sex with Ms Higgins, was scheduled to return to court in February next year after the initial trial was aborted due to a jury member bringing in outside research material to the jury room.
Director of Public Prosecution Shane Drumgold SC made the decision not to prosecute as he had been warned a retrial of the case would pose an unacceptable risk to Ms Higgins’ health.
“While the pursuit of justice is essential for both my office and for the community in general, the safety of a complainant in a sexual assault matter must be paramount,” he said.
“In light of the compelling independent medical opinion and balancing all factors, I have made the difficult decision that it is no longer in the public interest to pursue a prosecution at the risk of the complainant’s life.
“This has left me no option but to file a notice declining to proceed with the retrial of this matter which I have done this morning.”
After the case was dropped, it was revealed that Ms Higgins was hospitalised for mental health treatment after “unrelenting” pressure over the past few years.
The former Liberal staffer granted permission for her friend and supporter Emma Webster to release a statement.
“Brittany is in hospital getting the treatment and support she needs,’’ Ms Webster said.
“The last couple of years have been difficult and unrelenting.
“While it’s disappointing the trial has ended this way, Brittany’s health and safety must always come first.”
“Brittany is extremely grateful for all the support she has received, particularly from our mental healthcare workers.”