I was mentioned in the Australian and the Adelaide Advertiser this week, and I am referred to in Kate’s unsworn statement and the extracts from her diaries. I continue to be repeatedly contacted by numerous journalists seeking public comment, and in response, I make the following personal statement. But beyond this, I have no further public comment at this time.
I continue to be devastated by the untimely death of my very dear friend Kate, and I am enormously concerned for the privacy and dignity of Kate’s family. I am also concerned for the well-being of Christian Porter. I have known all of them for approximately 30 years. We all find ourselves at a very upsetting time.
Mine is just one set of recollections, and I am aware of the fallibility of human memory, however unintentional. That said, I have what I consider to be clear recollections of relevant discussions I had with Kate over the years from mid-1988 until her death. I also have what I consider to be clear recollections of relevant discussions I had with Christian Porter from April 1992 in Perth and through the mid-1990s.
The NSW police have determined that a criminal prosecution is not possible in this case. I made myself known to the NSW police after Kate’s death and I understand why they were unable to interview me.
In relation to any criminal prosecution, Christian Porter was manifestly and appropriately entitled to the presumption of innocence – it is essential to the rule of law.
In relation to any investigation of the important non-criminal aspects of this matter, I support an inquiry, like either that conducted by three retired eminent judges after Justice Lionel Murphy was acquitted of charges or that conducted by Dr Vivienne Thom into allegations about Justice Heydon. I am willing to testify under oath at any appropriately convened inquiry.
While I fully support the freedom of the press, I do not believe that the media is the optimal forum in which to investigate a situation of this sensitivity and significance.
