Liberal MP Andrew Hastie testifies in defamation case over secret recording
Federal Liberal MP Andrew Hastie appeared in court to defend his role in passing a covert audio file that led to defamatory articles about Perth developer Greg Poland.
Perth property developer Greg Poland has launched a defamation lawsuit against Fairfax, two ex-WAtoday reporters, Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, two of Hastie's staff and former WA Liberal leader Zak Kirkup, alleging they helped circulate a covertly recorded conversation that formed the basis of 2019 articles accusing him of corrupt dealings. The 46-minute recording features Poland bragging about his access to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and suggesting a land-swap to solve a soil-dumping issue linked to the airport rail tunnel.
Poland denies any wrongdoing and says the reports falsely painted him as a secret deal-maker. In testimony, Hastie acknowledged sending the audio to journalist Nathan Hondros via WhatsApp, arguing the disclosure served the public interest, but he contested claims that he promised not to share it. He also admitted he might have forwarded the file to Zak Kirkup, though he could not recall. Additional witnesses expected include Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti and former Labor ministers Alannah McTiernan and Dave Kelly.
Why it matters
The case tests the balance between press freedom, political accountability and privacy in Australia.
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