The ACT’s director of public prosecutions has extended his leave as the territory’s chief minister awaits a report into the high-profile Lehrmann trial.

Shane Drumgold will continue his leave until August 30, while Anthony Williamson SC will continue to act in the role.

ACT chief minister Andrew Barr is awaiting a report due to be delivered this month following an independent inquiry into how the justice system handled Bruce Lehrmann’s criminal trial.

Mr Lehrmann was accused of raping fellow Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins at Parliament House.

The independent inquiry has been headed by former Queensland Supreme Court judge Walter Sofronoff.

Ms Higgins alleges she was raped inside a ministerial office by her then-colleague after a night out in 2019.

Mr Lehrmann denies the allegation.

Prosecutors dropped the charge against Mr Lehrmann over fears about the impact of a second trial on Ms Higgins’ mental health after the first trial was aborted due to juror misconduct.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

– AAP