In politics it is known as an almighty blow off. For Richard Boyle, the Australian Taxation Office whistleblower charged with enough offences to put him away almost as long as serial killer Ivan Milat if found guilty, it was a massive body blow.

It prompted Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick to describe the Coalition’s whistleblower policy as a “sham” and criticise Attorney-General Christian Porter as failing to fulfil his role, lacking judgment and political cowardice.