Journalist Not Sued for Reporting News About a Rape!

TRIGGER WARNING:  This article has content about sexual violence and rape. For support please visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sexual-assault-and-rape.

My very basic human take on this is that I'm glad journalists like Lisa Wilkinson can report on things like the rape Bruce Lehrmann committed in a federal minister's office and not be worried about being in a defamation case.

Journalists should be reporting news, shouldn't they? The very basis of journalism is to seek truth and provide a fair and comprehensive account of events/issues. Would Mrs. Wilkinson's team at Channel 10's The Project (a show that started in 2009) be able to run a "fake news" item this big without ensuring they have all the facts checked? 

I still cannot forget old mate (Scott Morisson) lack of action when this whole thing was uncovered to the press.

So, what happens to rapist Bruce Lehrmann now? Lehrmann's criminal trial collapsed in 2022 with no findings against him.

This is an opinion post that was put together after reading https://www.9news.com.au/national/bruce-lehrmann-network-10-higgins-rape-report-defamation-case-decision/23b29a3b-294c-4f44-9802-e9bf74322bcd, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-15/act-bruce-lehrmann-defamation-trial-judgment-five-key-takeaways/103706716 and https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/04/15/aus-political-official-raped-colleague-loses-defamation-case-judge/

Resources and support

Support organisations offer confidential information, counselling and support.

• Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) any time or chat online.
• Contact Full Stop Australia — call 1800 385 578 or use their online counselling service.

In your state or territory, you can contact:

• Australian Capital Territory — Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (02 6247 2525).
• New South Wales — NSW Sexual Violence Helpline (1800 424 017) or visit NSW Health Sexual Assault Services to find the number for a service near you.
• Northern Territory — Sexual Assault Referral Centres page has phone numbers for centres in your area.
• Queensland — Sexual Assault Helpline (1800 010 120).
• South Australia — Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service (1800 817 421).
• Tasmania — Sexual Assault Support Service (1800 697 877).
• Victoria — Sexual Assault Crisis Line (1800 806 292).
• Western Australia — Sexual Assault Resource Centre on (08) 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 (free call from landlines).