Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton decided not to tell the prime minister about an alleged rape at Parliament House so he wouldn't compromise a potential police investigation.
Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins has made a formal complaint to police that she was raped by a colleague at Parliament House in 2019.
Mr Dutton has confirmed Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw , four days before the prime minister says he was told.
Ms Higgins spoke to police on 5 February, with the AFP then informing Mr Dutton because it was a politically sensitive investigation.
He decided not to tell Prime Minister Scott Morrison because it was an operational matter for police.
"I took a decision that I wasn't going to disclose that to the prime minister," Mr Dutton told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.
"I think that was the right decision."
Mr Dutton regularly receives briefings from Mr Kershaw.
"I don't instruct him how to conduct his investigations, I don't impede his investigations, I don't seek to influence his investigations," the minister said.
Mr Dutton decided to tell Mr Morrison's office about the rape allegations on 12 February after media enquiries.
Ms Higgins revealed the sexual assault allegation last week and on Wednesday reinstated her complaint.
Three other women have since alleged they were assaulted by the same man.
He was sacked because of a security breach on the night of Ms Higgins' alleged rape.
Mr Morrison said his office first knew of the allegation on 12 February but staff took almost three days to notify him.
Cabinet ministers Michaelia Cash and Linda Reynolds were also aware before the prime minister.
Senator Reynolds, who employed Ms Higgins at the time of the alleged assault, is now on indefinite medical leave after advice from her cardiologist.
She was admitted to Canberra Hospital hours before she was due to appear at the National Press Club.
Mr Morrison and Mr Dutton are standing by the minister.
Senator Reynolds has been under intense pressure about her handling of the issue and was forced to correct the record about how many times she met with police in April 2019.
Ms Higgins is hopeful the "terrible situation" will lead to fundamental reform of the laws around employing staff and cultural change
"I genuinely hope Linda Reynolds is okay and wish her all the best with her recovery," she tweeted.
The issue has dominated the parliamentary sitting fortnight with a slew of inquiries initiated to look at complaints processes and culture.
Mr Morrison has rejected suggestions there is a "don't ask, don't tell" culture within the government.
"I have been open about what is a very sensitive matter, a truly very sensitive and serious matter," he said.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese is set to continue pressuring the government about the prime minister's knowledge of the incident on Thursday.
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