Cordeaux’s dismissal was revealed this morning by FIVEaa breakfast announcer David Penberthy, who read out an on-air statement.

“Without reservation whatsoever, FIVEaa and Nova Entertainment sincerely apologise to Brittany Higgins for the comments made by Jeremy Cordeaux’s weekend breakfast show on Saturday morning,” he said.

“We acknowledge that the comments were completely inappropriate and offensive.

“The view expressed by Mr Cordeaux do not reflect those held by FIVEaa and Nova Entertainment and we unequivocally withdraw them.

“Mr Cordeaux’s employment has been terminated.”

Cordeaux and FIVEaa had come under fire since comments made during a weekend radio show about Higgins, who says she was raped by a Liberal adviser inside Defence Minister Linda Reynolds’ Parliament House office in 2019.

“I just ask myself why the prime minister doesn’t call it out for what it is – a silly little girl who got drunk,” Cordeaux said.

“If this girl has been raped, why hasn’t the guy who raped her been arrested? Apparently everyone knows his name.”

Higgins made a formal complaint alleging rape to Australian Federal Police in February, and an investigation is underway.

Higgins today said Cordeaux’s sacking sent a strong message to the one in five Australian women who experience sexual assault.

“This rhetoric isn’t helpful especially given the cultural reckoning about consent that is taking place across the country,” Higgins said.

“Instead of seeking to modify the behaviour of victims, let’s try to address how we can deter perpetrators of sexual crimes.”

I’m grateful to @NovaEntAU and @1395FIVEaa for standing up for the one in five Australian women who will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.

I politely disagree Mr Cordeaux. No, I do not deserve to have my “bottom smacked”. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/5MQqXWeXud

— Brittany Higgins (@BrittHiggins_) March 29, 2021

Cordeaux doubled down on his comments after being fired.

“The advice I give to my own daughter: do not go out and get drunk. Regardless of how well you may know the people around, do not put yourself in harm’s way,” he told the Seven Network.

“Be on guard all the time, don’t be a silly girl.”

Premier Steven Marshall said there was no defence for the comments.

“I think Jeremy Cordeaux has been an outstanding broadcaster over a long period of time but I don’t think the comments that he made on Saturday morning were acceptable and I note that Fiveaa have taken action,” Marshall told reporters today.