The pair,who played their own side roles in this sad affair,had been at a conference organised by conservative think tank The Institute of Public Affairs out west,along with Lehrmann’s former barristerSteven Whybrow,who told attendees he’d yet to even read Lee’s judgment.
The conservative columnist became one of the broadsheet’s go-to correspondents on matters pertaining to Lehrmann and Higgins,occasionally blurring the line between reporter and #MeToo-critical opinionator,and in the process,managing to commit one of journalism’s cardinal sins by becoming a part of the story.
The ACT Supreme Court found that an inquiry into Lehrmann’s aborted criminal prosecution conducted byWalter Sofronoff,KC,was infected by an apprehension of bias against the territory’s ex-director of public prosecutionsShane Drumgold,because of the former Queensland judge’s excessive contact – 273 phone interactions – with Albrechtsen.
Reynolds,meanwhile,is suing Higgins and her partner,David Sharaz,for defamation over social media posts made by the pair. After last week’s judgment,the former defence minister,backed by Opposition LeaderPeter Dutton,claimed vindication after Justice Lee shattered the narrative that Reynolds and her staff had been involved in a political cover-up of Higgins’ allegations.
In a statement on Saturday,Higgins apologised to Reynolds and former chief-of-staffFiona Brown,saying that she hoped to resolve their differences. But on Sunday,Reynolds said unless Higgins agreed that the Morrison government didn’t try to cover up her allegations.
So no doubt Reynolds and Albrechtsen had much to discuss last week.
“I can confirm that we had dinner at one of Fremantle’s newest restaurants after we both attended a conference nearby,” Reynolds told CBD.
“I can also confirm the Western Australian food and wine was amazing!” she said.
FRESH AYRES
It has taken more than 12 months,but former NSW deputy Liberal leaderStuart Ayreshas finally landed on his feet. Following much speculation in Liberal circles about Ayres’ next move,the former Penrith MP,who lost his seat at the 2023 state election,has been appointed chief executive of the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s NSW branch,an industry group representing property developers.
CBD always suspected Ayres was destined for a stint in the industry lobbying game,following a tried and tested path for former politicians,especially those with one eye on a future comeback.
So what of Ayres’ partner,former senator and foreign ministerMarise Payne,the other half of a couple CBD once christened “Australia’s Aldi-brand Underwoods”? Well,Payne has recently landed a gig as a senior adviser at former treasurerJoe Hockey’sbooming strategic advisory firm Bondi Partners.
Meanwhile,most of Ayres’ former colleagues are now moving on in the mundane world of gainful employment. Former attorney-generalGabrielle Uptonhas been keeping particularly busy,recently landing non-executive director roles at neuroscience research institute The Florey and Netball Australia,on top of the strategic adviser gig she picked up at big six law firm King&Wood Mallesons in January.
Ex-health ministerBrad Hazzardis chair of air medical service Careflight. Former corrections ministerGeoff Leeis a professor at Western Sydney University. Former infrastructure ministerRob Stokesis also dipping his toes into the world of academia,taking up a role as industry professor,environmental,social and governance at WSU,as well as being appointed chair of Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District,whatever that is. (Although we hear he’s still interested in challenging tealSophie Scampsin the federal seat of Mackellar).
Former transport ministerDavid Elliott,currently chief executive of the Institute of Public Works Engineering,is also mulling the prospect of a federal return,if a redistribution of the division of Parramatta is favourable. God help us.
HERE’S TO BARRIE
Former NSW premierBarrie Unsworthcelebrated his 90th birthday among an illustrious group of friends and family at the Stella Blu restaurant in Dee Why last week.
Guests,who heard tributes to Barrie’s all-round good vibes,included colourful racing identityJohn “Singo” Singleton,who turned up days after the tragic loss of daughterDawn in the Bondi Junction attack.
From the political world,plenty of old Labor relics showed up,including former defence ministerJohn Faulkner,Hawke-Keating era speakerLeo McLeay,ex-state MPRichard Amery,andGough Whitlam’ssonNick Whitlamand wifeJudy Whitlam.Former premier,later federal foreign ministerBob Carrwas a scratching,but sent through a moving tribute to Unsworth and his wifePauline,to whom the ex-premier has been married since 1955.
Unsworth’s recent commitment to the Whitlam legacy,whereby he joined forces with a group of old Labor figures to acquire and preserve the former prime minister’s Cabramatta home,was the subject of praise.
It wasn’t just the red side of politics represented – former Liberal premierBarry O’Farrellalso paid tribute to the other Barrie.