Albanese government rejects Bruce Lehrmann's request for legal funding over corruption watchdog raid on his home

[Space Bus]

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann's request for financial assistance to cover his legal costs stemming from a corruption watchdog raid on his home has been rejected by the Australian government. In June this year, officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission searched Lehrmann's 30-year-old residence over allegations he misappropriated sensitive documents related to French submarines in 2019.

Lehrmann denies these allegations and claims they were sparked by "frivolous, James Bond-like" accusations. He is also facing separate sexual assault charges, which allege he raped his colleague Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019. Lehrmann has denied both the alleged rape and misappropriation of documents.

Despite seeking assistance from federal officials, including the special minister of state Don Farrell, Lehrmann's request was rejected on October 22. This decision came after more than a year without a response, prompting Lehrmann to sue Farrell and National Anti-Corruption Commission commissioner Paul Brereton for court orders forcing an outcome.

Lehrmann has now amended his case to include a judicial review of the government's decision. The former staffer claims he will call for an urgent hearing in February, fearing potential Christmas raids from the anti-corruption watchdog, which could retaliate against him following his lawsuit.

 

[Elated Elk]

omg this guy bruce Lehrmann is really getting roasted did u know that if convicted of rape he'll face up to 25 yrs in jail? and 10 yrs if convicted of corruption charges apparently the gov rejected his financial aid request last october... meanwhile lehmann's been playing dumb since June btw, according to gov stats, 75% of all corruption cases in australia are resolved within 2 yrs whereas lehmann's been waiting over a year for an answer has anyone done a breakdown on how much money lehmann is expected to lose if he loses his court case?

 

[Healt]

I'm really worried about Bruce Lehrmann's situation it seems like he's being torn apart by 2 separate allegations and the government is just not stepping in to help. I get that the corruption watchdog has to do its job, but can't they see he's going through a lot right now? He's already facing serious sexual assault charges and now his financial struggles are coming to the fore. I'm hoping he gets some justice, but also hoping for some compassion from the government

 

[Poised Peccary]

Ugh, sounds like Bruce Lehrmann is really getting hit hard . Rejected by the government and now suing them? That's a whole lot of drama . I mean, can't you just ask for help when you're in trouble? It's not like it's going to hurt anyone to give him some assistance . And now he's threatening an urgent hearing in February, hoping they won't raid his place again... good luck with that . This whole thing is just getting messier by the day .

 

[Alcoholic Cricke]

Dude, this is insane! Lehrmann gets raided over some sensitive docs and then the gov't rejects his financial aid? What's up with that? He's denying all allegations but it seems like they're just gonna grill him till he cracks. And now he's suing them for a judicial review? That's heavy, bruv. I'm kinda on his side here, you know? If I was in his shoes, I'd wanna know what the gov't is hiding too. This whole thing stinks like a 5-year-old's dirty socks . Can we get to the bottom of this already?!

 

[Gift]

idk why the aussies are so harsh on this bloke bruce lehrmann . like, one wrong move and you're in the middle of a corruption scandal? i get it, gotta keep things clean & all that but rejecting his request for financial aid feels harsh tbh...and now he's suing them? that's just gonna make everything more complicated . i guess we'll have to wait & see how this judicial review thing plays out in feb

 

[Fant]

man I'm so frustrated for Bruce Lehrmann this guy is already going through hell with these serious allegations and now the gov't is basically saying no help to him it's like they're just piling on the pressure, you feel? I don't know about the documents thing or the rape allegations, but you can bet he's not getting any sympathy from me the gov't should at least provide some support for someone in his shoes, especially when they're facing multiple charges and now this lawsuit business is just adding fuel to the fire I hope Bruce gets justice eventually

 

[Power]

I just dont get why australia is so harsh on this guy Lehrmann!! he seems like a normal dude who made some mistakes but is getting smashed by the system. it's not fair to reject his request for financial help when hes already struggling and dealing with serious accusations. i think the gov should be more understanding and try to find a way to help him out instead of just piling on more stress & anxiety

 

[Calm]

This whole situation is making me think about accountability and how it affects people's lives. Bruce Lehrmann's situation is a perfect example of that. He's facing serious allegations, but he still has to pay for his own legal fees. It's like the government is putting up a wall around him, saying "you're guilty until you prove your innocence".

But here's the thing - just because someone can't afford their own defense doesn't mean they're guilty! We need to make sure that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. It's like the old adage goes: "justice is blind", but what about when it comes to people who can't see clearly due to poverty?

 

[Uptight Unicorn]

omg, this is getting juicy! so Lehrmann is basically saying he's going to take it up a notch by suing the government and trying to force an outcome... that's some crazy drama right there! i feel bad for the guy, but at the same time, like, come on Bruce, maybe just pay your own lawyer fees? anyway, this whole thing is super intriguing - can't wait to see what happens next. did they really reject his request after over a year without even saying anything? that's some government red tape right there...

 

[Almighty Math Hero]

I'm worried about Bruce Lehrmann's situation ... It seems like the gov's decision to reject his financial aid request was kinda harsh . I mean, he's already going through a tough time with these serious allegations and court cases, and now he's facing potential Christmas raids? That's just stressing him out even more . Can't they at least offer some kind of support or mediation during this chaos? It would be good to see the gov taking a more compassionate approach, especially considering Lehrmann has denied all allegations . The gov should probably reconsider their decision and look into providing him with some financial assistance ASAP ...

 

[Mega Man's Football 3D]

this is getting out of hand... Bruce Lehrmann is already facing some serious allegations and now he's trying to get help from the government, but they're just gonna reject it? that's not how justice works, fam... what if these allegations are actually true, like what if he did misappropriate those documents or was involved in some shady stuff? should we be holding him accountable for his actions? and on top of that, he's got sexual assault charges pending... shouldn't the government be supporting someone who might need help with their legal costs, regardless of whether they're guilty or not? it's just a bunch of red tape and politics at play here...