Former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann says the ABC deliberately sought to prejudice his rape trial by broadcasting a live speech by Brittany Higgins and campaigner Grace Tame, suggesting the broadcaster had an “improper motive” for the decision.

In documents filed with the Federal Court on Monday, Mr Lehrmann – who pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual intercourse without consent against Ms Higgins – said the ABC knew he had been publicly named ahead of the speech at the National Press Club, promoted in part in relation to Ms Higgins’ role as an advocate of “survivors of sexual assault and abuse”.