Corruption watchdog drops investigation into Lehrmann submarine secrets

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 08:24 · Archive

Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission has abandoned its investigation into whether ex-political staffer Bruce Lehrmann misused classified information on French submarines.

Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission has dropped its investigation into whether Bruce Lehrmann, a 31-year-old ex-political staffer, misused classified information on French submarines. The former commissioner decided to take no further action on Monday, according to a letter sent to Lehrmann.

The investigation began after officials raided Lehrmann's home in June 2024. They alleged he had taken secret documents from the office of former defence minister Linda Reynolds five years earlier. The operation, dubbed 'Ivanhoe', resulted in the seizure of a blue moleskin diary which the government claimed contained eight pages of classified security information.

Lehrmann has sued Special Minister of State Don Farrell and now former NACC commissioner Paul Brereton, alleging the raids were an abuse of the watchdog's power. He also claims he was unlawfully forced to give evidence at two secret hearings in October 2024 in Hobart. Lehrmann described the investigation as driven by 'frivolous, James Bond-like allegations'. His legal action against Farrell and Brereton remains ongoing. In a statement on Monday, Lehrmann called the NACC 'a colossal waste of taxpayer money'.

How it is being reported

• Lehrmann off hook for alleged submarine secrets spillBruce Lehrmann has snagged a win after the federal corruption body dropped an investigation into whether he misused classified information on submarines.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 08:14
• Lehrmann off hook for alleged submarine secrets spillBruce Lehrmann has snagged a win after the federal corruption body dropped an investigation into whether he misused classified information on submarines.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 08:14

In this story: Bruce Lehrmann · National Anti-Corruption Commission · Linda Reynolds · Don Farrell · Paul Brereton · Brittany Higgins · Australia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem