May
Why Ben Roberts-Smith’s appeal failed
The soldier attempted to rely on Afghanistan mission reports that he helped write, but they contradicted his own evidence at trial.
Rinehart refuses to rule out financial support for Roberts-Smith
Australia’s richest person has danced around questions about whether she provided financial backing for Ben Roberts-Smith to appeal his failed defamation case.
The moment that put Kerry Stokes on the hook for $13m
In late 2023, billionaire Kerry Stokes conceded he was pulling the strings of Ben Roberts-Smith’s failed lawsuit. The concession cost him millions.
ASX hits 3-month high; Airport shareholders revolt; AI starts to work
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Disgraced soldier Ben Roberts-Smith loses defamation appeal
The Full Federal Court said evidence against Roberts-Smith was “sufficiently cogent to support the findings that the appellant murdered four Afghan men”.
Witness in Roberts-Smith case threatened to sue Nine
The former mistress of Ben Roberts-Smith threatened to sue Nine and investigative reporter Nick McKenzie, who denies he received privileged information relating to the disgraced soldier’s defamation action.
Secret recording admitted as evidence in Roberts-Smith appeal fight
Journalist Nick McKenzie says he used fair, responsible and honest means to obtain material for his investigation into Ben Roberts-Smith.
March
Ben Roberts-Smith gets another (positive) chapter written
Former AFR correspondent and new Nightly writer Aaron Patrick is behind the latest move to rebuild BRS’ reputation.
December 2024
Meet the eight new judges joining the Federal Court
The president of the Victorian Bar, the head of ANU Law School and leading commercial barristers are among a swathe of new appointments.
September 2024
Afghanistan’s long dark shadow still hangs over the military
Two major reports this week brought home painful reminders of the legacy of Australia’s contribution to the war on terror. Will anything change?
July 2024
Accident puts war crimes judge in wheelchair
The severe injuries sustained by Mark Weinberg, KC, are a blow to the Office of the Special Investigator into war crimes in Afghanistan.
May 2024
Ad giant Dentsu’s epic losses no big deal for Japanese parent
Dentsu spends more than $1 billion every year in Australia on behalf of its clients, including Woolworths. It has lost $170 million over the past three years.
April 2024
Thousands join Anzac services as nation seeks to heal
Anzac Day was labelled a chance for Sydney to come together and heal after a series of terrifying knife attacks.
Bruce Lehrmann’s lawyer, Mark O’Brien, is on a losing streak
Losses in high-profile cases have experts wondering if Sydney’s client-friendly defamation culture is changing.
Taking out the Bruce Lehrmann trash
Historic day leaves Seven counting the costs of its sullied Spotlight exclusive.
Up in the air: Seven’s new boss braces for impact
Jeff Howard watched ex-Seven producer Taylor Auerbach give evidence on Friday while flying back from Adelaide, two weeks before he takes over Seven’s top job.
Ghosts of Seven’s past return to haunt executives
Outgoing Seven West Media CEO James Warburton preps his successor, as the notice period drags on.
February 2024
Who’s winning the three big cases of the year? The lawyers, of course
Three of the biggest cases of 2023 have been back in court this week, with Ben Roberts-Smith, Lisa Wilkinson and Shane Drumgold all seeking vindication.
Ben Roberts-Smith fronts court as 10-day appeal starts
The war veteran sat in court on Monday as his team of top-tier barristers attempted to overturn his landmark defamation loss over war crimes media reporting.
December 2023
Kerry Stokes walks away from SAS defence charity
The mogul has stepped down from an SAS charity he co-founded.