Anger at Labor as Rex Patrick faces potential six-figure legal fee if he loses Aukus documents battle
The Australian government is seeking to force former senator Rex Patrick to pay up to $150,000 in legal costs if he loses a freedom of information battle regarding Aukus submarine documents. Crossbench MPs are protesting this move, viewing it as an attempt to stifle transparency.
Why it matters
Raises significant questions about government transparency, the use of legal costs to deter public interest litigation, and the accountability of the Aukus defense agreement.
Crossbench MPs are protesting Labor’s decision to seek an order to force the independent senator Rex Patrick to pay legal costs of up to $150,000 if he loses a fight to access Aukus-related documents. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Crossbench MPs are protesting Labor’s decision to seek an order to force the independent senator Rex Patrick to pay legal costs of up to $150,000 if he loses a fight to access Aukus-related documents. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Freedom of information Anger at Labor as Rex Patrick faces potential six-figure legal fee if he loses Aukus documents battle Australian government insists legal costs should be paid by former senator as FoI fight escalates
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