I put this in slippery's thread.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/...mayoral-election/story-e6freon6-1226433008575
joea
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/...mayoral-election/story-e6freon6-1226433008575
joea
But the proceedings came to an abrupt halt when lawyers for Mr Ashby moved to involve Australia's state and federal attorneys-general in the case.
They argued their client had an implied right under the constitution to expose the alleged wrongdoing of his boss.
They said new evidence tabled when the case resumes would include a statement from a QC that he warned Mr Ashby not to accept any favours form the Liberal National Party in return for taking up the case against Mr Slipper.
Lawyers for the Federal Government and Mr Slipper are arguing the harassment allegations are a deliberate attempt to damage Mr Slipper's reputation and career.
The abuse of process case will not resume until the constitutional matter is dealt with.
The case is likely to return to court in October.
“In the statement today by the Commonwealth Attorney-General, Ms Nicola Roxon, she has repeated the allegations against Mr Ashby that his claim is vexatious (and thus an abuse of process), despite the fact the commonwealth has agreed to withdraw its application alleging abuse of process.
T, T, T, Tanne,Another back flip, let's see what they make of this on Insiders
Perhaps Labor's turning a new leaf on principal and financial management.According to ABC TV news the settlement was made "to avoid a costly trial".
Exactly. And when has the expense involved in anything been even the slightest deterrent to Labor!According to ABC TV news the settlement was made "to avoid a costly trial". If the case was vexatious as Roxon said, why would the government have to pay any costs?
According to ABC TV news the settlement was made "to avoid a costly trial". If the case was vexatious as Roxon said, why would the government have to pay any costs?
Exactly. And when has the expense involved in anything been even the slightest deterrent to Labor!
Never.
Although the sum is paltry, the principle is significant in this case.
+1.Labor would have spent every last cent of taxpayer money and a lot if they thought the government's position was defendable.
SPEAKER of the house Peter Slipper will today face the former staffer who accused him of sexual harassment after a Federal Court judge ordered the two into mediation.
In theory the political and legal saga could be resolved in mediation in Sydney today, but The Australian understands James Ashby has no intention of settling the dispute with his former boss and friend.
Speaker Peter Slipper avoided the media by arriving at the Federal Court building without court permission in a ComCar for mediation to resolve the sexual harassment case brought by his former staffer James Ashby.
The taxpayer funded government cars are given access to the building's private secure car park. By entering through the car park, Mr Slipper could use an internal lift to the mediation rooms, which are in a restricted part of the building alongside the offices of the Commonwealth Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General.
Mr Ashby, who was dressed in a grey suit, walked in accompanied by his barrister, Michael Lee, SC, public relations adviser Anthony McClellan and solicitor Michael Harmer.
Mr Slipper had not emerged to waiting media as of 7.30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday.
He came under fire earlier in the day after entering the court in a government car through the private car park, avoiding the media.
A Federal Court spokesman said Mr Slipper did not have permission to use the car park entrance.
"The expectation is that all litigants enter and exit court buildings through public entrances," the spokesman said.
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