ACT close to naming head of Bruce Lehrmann trial inquiry and its scope

Bruce Lehrmann outside an ACT court last year. An inquiry into the handling of the former Liberal party staffer’s case of alleged rape of Brittany Higgins, which he consistently denied, is expected to be held in the first half of this year. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The Australian Capital Territory government is next week expected to name the head of its inquiry into the handling of the Bruce Lehrmann case and release the probe’s terms of reference.

Guardian Australia understands preparations for the ACT’s inquiry are continuing and the attorney general, Shane Rattenbury, is close to naming the legal expert who will lead the investigation, which is expected to be conducted in the first half of this year.