The Prime Minister has been accused of misleading Parliament over an inquiry into allegations of sexual assault in a ministerial office. 

On March 18, Prime Minister Scott Morrison was asked in Parliament about a report into whether his office was alerted to a rape allegation made by former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins.

The report was meant to settle a range of contradictory claims about when people close to the Prime Minister were notified.

The head of the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet (PM&C), Philip Gaetjens, had been running the review, but he told a Senate estimates hearing on Monday that he had paused the review on March 9.

He said Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw had advised him that his inquiry could hamper a police investigation into the matter.

“I was strongly advised, I think would probably be the expression, to make sure there was no intersection with the criminal investigation and as a result, I have decided to pause the inquiry,” Mr Gaetjens said.

“I just got increasingly concerned at his comments and stopped the inquiry.”

When he was asked about it late last week, the Prime Minister did not say that the probe had been paused, despite having been informed of the decision on March 9.

“[Mr Gaetjens] has not provided me with a further update about when I might expect that report, but I have no doubt the opposition will be able to ask questions of him in Senate estimates next week,” Mr Morrison responded.

He said Mr Gaetjens’ inquiry was being done “at arm’s length”.

Mr Gaetjens said he was acting “for the benefit of Ms Higgins”, even though he had not spoken with the former Liberal staffer.

Labor senators Penny Wong and Katy Gallagher and Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young accused Mr Gaetjens of a “cover-up”.

“You refuse to answer questions about any of this because you’re worried about Ms Higgins and you have not even bothered to engage with her? How do you run an investigation if you don’t speak to the woman at the centre of the whole affair?” Senator Hanson-Young said.

Meanwhile, negotiations continue over legislation to protect the privacy of those who participate in Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ review of political workplace culture.

A bill was rushed through the Senate late last week that contains a clause many are concerned will stop them from accessing records about their own cases.

It is feared that survivors of bullying, harassment and assault will be robbed of possible justice while more control is given to powerful ministers.

If this article causes distress, help is available via the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. For help in a crisis call 000.