David Rofe didn’t want new home bought by Michael Lawler

Barrister David Rofe told Fair Work Commission vice-president Michael Lawler he did not want his money used to buy a house.

A prominent elderly barrister with advanced dementia angrily told Fair Work Commission vice-president Michael Lawler that he did not want Mr Lawler to buy a $1.35 million neighbouring house using the barrister’s money.

The comments by David Rofe QC are contained in a secret tape recording of a phone conversation Mr Lawler made and ­allowed the ABC’s Four Corners program to broadcast last night.

Mr Rofe’s comments confirm details of articles first reported by The Australian in February related to Mr Lawler’s handling of the barrister’s finances when Mr Lawler had a power of attorney for him.

During 14 months until August last year, Mr Lawler helped Mr Rofe with his affairs. Mr Lawler’s partner, Kathy Jackson, who shot to fame as a corruption whistleblower, but is now under police ­investigation, was also ­written into Mr Rofe’s will for a $3m inheritance.

Recordings of a conversation Mr Lawler had with Mr Rofe after June last year when he bought a property next door to his own home at Wombarra, south of Sydney, show Mr Lawler swearing at Mr Rofe, who alleges Mr Lawler had no authority to buy the home, or backing from him.

He asks why Mr Lawler did not notify him about a $160,000 ­deposit using Mr Rofe’s money when Mr Lawler bought the house in Mr Rofe’s name.

When Mr Rofe complains he has been “isolated by you people”, Mr Lawler interrupts. He asks him to listen, telling him it is not his fault and he has dementia.

Mr Lawler: “You are going to look like a complete f — king idiot and I don’t want that to happen my friend; you’ve got to stop this, David, you are being stupid.”

Mr Rofe: “It is a disgrace for you to ring me up after what you ... has happened in the last few days.”

Mr Lawler: “Listen, David, I told you repeatedly ...”

Mr Rofe: “What do you want?”

Mr Lawler: “I told you repeatedly that I was going to purchase that property for you because (name deleted) had agreed.”

Mr Rofe: “Oh, you poor little darling.”

Mr Lawler: “Yeah, I’m a poor ­little darling …”

Mr Rofe: “What sort of things are you causing other people?”

Mr Lawler: “You don’t want to know about the rest of my life for Pete’s sake. The great HSU saga.”

Mr Rofe: “There is something medically wrong with you, and I honestly suggest you try and find out what it is.”