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  • Media Release – Statement by Victorian Bar regarding High Court and Victorian Court of Appeal Suppression Orders

Media Release – Statement by Victorian Bar regarding High Court and Victorian Court of Appeal Suppression Orders

3Dec2018
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The High Court and the Victorian Court of Appeal have today lifted certain suppression orders in the matters of AB v CD and EF v CD.

According to the High Court decision handed down today, EF is a police informer who, some years ago, acted as counsel for Tony Mokbel and six of his criminal associates. The High Court has held that EF’s actions involved fundamental and appalling breaches of her obligations as counsel to her clients and of her duties to the court, and that Victoria Police were guilty of reprehensible conduct in knowingly encouraging her to do as she did and were involved in sanctioning atrocious breaches of the sworn duties imposed on every police officer. EF’s identity remains suppressed.

Victorian Bar President Dr Matthew Collins QC, said today, “The conduct of EF, as revealed by today’s judgments, is egregious and unprecedented in the 135 year history of the Victorian Bar.

“The Victorian Bar has been constrained in responding to this matter by the suppressed nature of the allegations and the proceedings, but will co-operate fully with the Royal Commission into Management of Informants and other relevant authorities in relation to this matter.

“The public can have confidence that Victoria’s barristers are bound by a strict code of ethics under which their paramount obligation is to the administration of justice. They are required to display the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity at all times. The Victorian Bar holds its members to these standards, with a robust disciplinary regime which is administered without fear or favour.

“Victoria’s 2,100 practising barristers have a well-earned reputation for furthering the administration of justice, upholding the rule of law, and acting fearlessly and independently in the interests of their clients,” he said.

Media Enquiries: 

Michelle Hindson on +61 414 207 049 or by email to michelle@hindsonconsulting.com

Katherine Lorenz on +61 3 9225 7990 or by email to ceo@vicbar.com.au

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Media Release