New inquiry call into Christian Porter claims
A former boyfriend of Christian Porter’s rape accuser says he has ‘clear recollections of relevant discussions’ with the alleged victim.
A former boyfriend of the woman who claims she was raped by Attorney-General Christian Porter says he has “clear recollections of relevant discussions” with the alleged victim as far back as 1988 and is willing to testify in an inquiry.
Macquarie Group senior managing director James Hooke also said he had “relevant discussions” relating to the alleged incident with Mr Porter in April 1992, and “through the mid-1990s”, news.com.au reports.
The victim claimed in an unsworn statement her death last year the alleged incident happened at a debating tournament in January 1988. Mr Porter strenuously denies the accusation.
A statement from Mr Hooke given to the News Corp Australia website said he was “devastated by the untimely death of my very dear friend Kate”.
“I am also concerned for the wellbeing of Christian Porter. I have known all of them for approximately 30 years,” Mr Hooke said.
“Mine is just one set of recollections, and I am aware of the fallibility of human memory, however unintentional.
“That said, I have what I consider to be clear recollections of relevant discussions I had with Kate over the years from mid-1988 until her death. I also have what I consider to be clear recollections of relevant discussions I had with Christian Porter from April 1992 in Perth and through the mid-1990s.”
Mr Hooke said he made himself known to NSW Police after the death of the alleged victim.
“In understand why they were unable to interview me,” Mr Hooke said.
“In relation to any criminal prosecution, Christian Porter was manifestly and appropriately entitled to the presumption of innocence, it is essential to the rule of law.
“In relation to any investigation of the important non-criminal aspects of this matter, I support an inquiry, like either that conducted by three retired eminent judges after Justice Lionel Murphy was acquitted of charges or that conducted by Dr Vivienne Thom into allegations about Justice Heydon.
“I am willing to testify under oath at any appropriately convened inquiry.”
More Coverage
‘Clear support for AUKUS’ despite review, Marles insists
Defence Minister Richard Marles has sought to downplay the Pentagon's move as a 'natural' undertaking, saying Australia will be 'working closely' with the US on the review.
AUKUS under threat as Trump launches review
The move by the Pentagon is a major blow to Australia and comes days before Anthony Albanese is expected to have his first in-person meeting with Donald Trump on the G7 sidelines.