The former Queensland judge, Walter Sofronoff, is set to challenge findings that he engaged in “serious corrupt conduct” by leaking details of his inquiry into the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann to journalists before the report was made public. The Australian Capital Territory Integrity Commission’s report, released on Wednesday, found that Sofronoff’s conduct fell within the definition of “corrupt conduct” through his disclosures to two journalists. The report also ruled out political interference or influence and criticized the ACT director of public prosecutions for losing objectivity during the trial. Sofronoff’s lawyers have filed an application with the federal court to challenge the lawfulness of the Integrity Commission’s report. The report found that Sofronoff’s decision to share confidential documents with journalists before the report’s public release was contrary to the obligations of confidentiality prescribed by the Inquiries Act and could have amounted to offences against the Act. Additionally, the report concluded that Sofronoff did not act in good faith and that his actions undermined the integrity of the board’s processes and threatened public confidence in the integrity of public administration.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/20/walter-sofronoff-to-challenge-serious-corrupt-conduct-finding-bruce-lehrmann-inquiry-ntwnfb