Federal Court protects Lehrmann diary containing Cabinet secrets
A Federal Court judge ruled that Lehrmann's seized diary contains Cabinet information protected by public interest immunity.
Justice Brigitte Markovic found that two pages in Lehrmann's blue moleskin diary hold sensitive Cabinet information. The pages must not be released.
The diary was taken during an AFP raid on his Hobart home in June 2024. Lehrmann had asked for the entire diary back.
But the court agreed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission that public interest immunity applies. The pages contain information about Cabinet committee talks and a Cabinet decision on costings.
Lehrmann argued he never went to Cabinet meetings. He said he only wrote down what others told him.
But the court found this did not help his case. The ruling comes as Lehrmann sues the government over the raid.
He claims abuse of power.
- Justice Brigitte Markovic
- Judge's name
- June 5, 2024
- Date of raid
- Two pages in blue moleskin diary
- Protected pages
- December
- Next court date
Why it mattersCabinet confidentiality protects how government makes decisions. Courts protect this information even when it harms someone in their own legal fight.
AustraliaThe ruling sets a precedent for how Federal Court treats seized documents in disputes between former staffers and the Australian government over classified information.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
