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Porter says ‘no regrets’ on losing A-G position
Former federal attorney-general Christian Porter said he felt he had “no alternatives” but to launch defamation proceedings against the ABC and lose his portfolio.
Naomi Neilson
In response to Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement that he will be removed from the Attorney-General position and moved into the industry, science and technology portfolio, Christian Porter said he has “no regrets” about the decision to launch Federal Court defamation proceedings against the ABC and Louise Milligan.
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“Accepting and understanding that commencing proceedings against the ABC now requires my replacement as Attorney-General does not change anything in respect of the crucial principle that required me to instigate defamation proceedings,” he said.
“Given the false claims made about me, I had no alternative but to launch proceedings and I have no regrets about taking that course of action.”
Mr Porter added that he is confident the Federal Court will allow for the “truthfulness of the claims made by the ABC to be tested” and that he looks forward to having these issues determined in a procedurally fair process with rules of evidence.
Mr Porter was tipped to lose his portfolio last week, when Mr Morrison confirmed he was seeking advice from the Solicitor-General on what was the best move forward. Mr Porter would have been unable to weigh in on matters concerning the ABC or the Federal Court had he remained in the Attorney-General role.
Michaelia Cash, who has been acting in the role for almost a month, will officially take over the portfolio. Her move into the role came after a tense press conference in which Mr Porter strenuously denied raping a woman more than 30 years ago and accused news organisations of putting him through a “trial by media”.
On his new cabinet role, Mr Porter said he will give it “all the energy and commitment I have” and will be focusing on seeing Australians out of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he wishes to particularly ensure that the industry remains “strong [and] vibrant” and continues to manufacture and retain more jobs.
“It has been a great honour and privilege to serve as Attorney-General and, since the 2019 election, as minister for industrial relations,” Mr Porter commented.
“Much has been achieved in that time, including significant new laws to keep Australians safe through the espionage and foreign interference regimes as well as the establishment of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme.”
