The individual who conducted the inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann’s criminal prosecution faces potential legal obstacles in their attempt to challenge the findings of the Australian Capital Territory corruption watchdog. The watchdog’s report, released in March, concluded that Walter Sofronoff KC, a former judge, engaged in serious corrupt conduct, stemming from leaks to journalist Janet Albrechtson.

Sofronoff approached the federal court to contest the legitimacy of the watchdog’s findings. However, the watchdog argues that its report may be protected by parliamentary privilege. This principle is intended to shield parliamentary activities from legal scrutiny and external interference.

Scott Robertson SC, representing the ACT Integrity Commission, suggested that the proceedings may not be necessary at all due to the issue of parliamentary privilege. While the report is overseen by a parliamentary committee, it is also publicly available online. The speaker of the ACT parliament, Mark Parton, is also seeking to be involved in the case.

Adam Pomerenke KC, Sofronoff’s lawyer, argued that the speaker’s involvement would only duplicate the commission’s stance. The case is scheduled to be heard in court in July.

Sofronoff, a former judge from Queensland’s supreme court, led a board of inquiry into the ACT’s criminal justice system following controversies surrounding Lehrmann’s prosecution. Lehrmann is accused of raping Brittany Higgins in a ministerial office in 2019, allegations he denies. A 2022 criminal trial was abandoned due to misconduct by a juror. The Sofronoff inquiry subsequently examined the prosecutors’ public statements and treatment of witnesses.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/01/walter-sofronoff-may-have-his-legal-challenge-to-finding-of-serious-corrupt-conduct-thrown-out