Brittany Higgins to return to Australia

Brittany Higgins will return to Australia for the first time since fleeing the country with partner David Sharaz in December.

Former Liberal staffers will face off in arbitration talks in Perth next week over a defamation claim against their former employer, Linda Reynolds, amid pleas from a judge that the two sides settle the matter.

news.com.au can reveal Liberal Senator Ms Reynolds has failed to take further steps to secure a court-ordered asset freeze on Brittany Higgins following her move to France.