The issue of Christian Porter's identification after the initial ABC Article was published is the thrust of this latest letter to the ABC from his lawyers. Also concerning aggravated damages:
In a letter to the ABC, published by the federal court on Thursday, Rebekah Giles explained Porter’s bid for aggravated damages, accusing the ABC and reporter Louise Milligan of omitting material that cast doubt on the complainant’s claim and inappropriately lobbying for an independent inquiry.
Particulars of identification Further to the particulars of identification set out beneath paragraph 5 of the Statement of Claim:
(ao) On or shortly after 26 February 2021 after the publication of the Article, Google searches of Mr Porter’s name increased significantly and much more so than any other senior male cabinet members.
(ap) On or shortly after 26 February 2021 after the publication of the Article, views of the LinkedIn profile of Mr Porter’s wife, Jennifer Porter, significantly increased.
(aq) After the publication of the Article and by midday Wednesday 3 March 2021, in response to a Google search of ‘who is the minister accused of rape’ (or words to similar effect) the results named Mr Porter.
(ar) At about 9:00am on ABC’s Insiders and then again at about 9:15 am on 28 February 2021, on ABC News Radio, Anthony Albanese stated there was a temporal connection between him learning of the allegations made in the Article and the November 4Corners.
(as) The ABC’s admission during the ABC News by Andrew Probyn on 2 March 2021 (and before Mr Porter’s press conference) that, in relation to the Article “the Minister’s identity was widely known in political and media circles”.
Classes of persons Persons who identified Mr Porter as the senior cabinet minister the subject of the Article (and such identification was reasonable in the circumstances) fall into the following classes of identification:
