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Bruce Lehrmann Defamation Appeal Continues

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Australian man Bruce Lehrmann is currently pursuing a defamation appeal in the Federal Court, challenging a 2024 ruling. Lehrmann claims that, although he was not explicitly named on the 2021 television program The Project, viewers could identify him, prompting him to file the defamation lawsuit.

In April 2024, Judge Michael Lee ruled that Higgins’ 2019 rape allegations against Lehrmann were substantiated and that the media coverage was accurate and not defamatory. In this appeal, Lehrmann argues that the media reports described the assault as more violent than it actually was, and that the court did not provide sufficient procedural fairness. His lawyer contends that Lehrmann became a “national laughingstock” due to the coverage and seeks substantial damages to restore his reputation. The appeal hearing is expected to last three days, with lawyers debating procedural fairness and the scope of reporting.

The case highlights the tension between the sensitivity of sexual assault allegations and the protection of victims, while Lehrmann’s supporters focus on the long-term reputational harm caused by media reporting. Legal experts say the appeal could become a key test of the balance between Australia’s defamation law and media freedom.

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QantasLink Considers Closing Staff Bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura

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On October 1, 2025, QantasLink announced it is reviewing its staff bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura, considering possible closures. If employees are required to commute from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, flight delays or cancellations may occur.

QantasLink stated that around 70 employees would be affected if the bases close, including about 8 in Mildura. Currently, Mildura operates approximately 50 QantasLink flights per week, and the airline says services there would continue unaffected. Employees have the option to transfer to other major city bases.

CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the move aims to improve flight reliability and expand regional routes. However, Transport Workers Union (TWU) National Secretary Michael Kaine expressed concern, noting potential uncertainty for regional communities and stressing the need to avoid repeating the failures of airlines like Rex and Bonza.

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ACMA Issues Warning to “The Kyle and Jackie O Show”

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On October 1, 2025, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) issued a formal warning to the Kyle and Jackie O Show, citing seven breaches of program content standards and two breaches of audience complaint handling regulations for 2024 broadcasts in Sydney and Melbourne.

The investigation found the program included audio of male and female employees urinating, descriptions of genitalia, explicit references to menstruation and sexual positions, and discussion of pornography websites. ACMA also noted the program failed to respond to audience complaints within the required 30 days.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin stated that despite prior requests to increase oversight, the program continued broadcasting inappropriate content, indicating systemic issues. ACMA is considering further enforcement action against the Australian Radio Network (ARN) to ensure accountability for broadcast content.

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NSW Police Urged to Stop Strip-Searching People

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On October 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of New South Wales ruled that police cannot legally conduct strip searches based solely on the suspicion of drug possession and highlighted systemic abuse in the execution of such searches.

The case was brought by Slater and Gordon Lawyers and the Redfern Legal Centre, challenging police strip searches at music festivals between 2016 and 2022, many of which were deemed unlawful, including searches of minors. A notable case involved teenage girl Raya Meredith, who was strip-searched at a 2019 music festival, describing the experience as humiliating and frightening, sparking national debate on police misconduct.

The court ruled that suspicion of drug possession alone does not provide legal grounds for strip searches. It also found that police failed to comply with the law regarding necessity and proportionality, particularly in urgent situations.

While the case is ongoing, critics argue that procedural changes alone are insufficient and call for comprehensive legal reform to protect citizens’ basic rights.

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