Federal Member for Canning, Andrew Hastie, has provided testimony in the ongoing defamation lawsuit initiated by Western Australian businessman Greg Poland against online news outlet WAtoday. The legal proceedings stem from two articles published by WAtoday in 2019, which Mr. Poland alleges defamed him. The controversy appears to have originated from a secret recording of Mr. Poland made at the Subiaco Hotel, which was allegedly provided to journalists by Mr. Hastie.
Background of the Defamation Claim
Greg Poland, the chairman of property development firm the Strzelecki Group, is suing WAtoday and two of its former journalists, Kate Hedley and Nathan Hondros. The Strzelecki Group is known for owning significant commercial properties, including Dolphin Quay in Mandurah and Sorrento Quay at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Mr. Poland contends that the 2019 articles published by WAtoday contained damaging and false allegations.
Central to the lawsuit is a recording made in January 2019 at the Subiaco Hotel. During a meeting at the hotel, Mr. Poland, who was then the deputy chair of the Peel Development Commission, met with businessman Aaron Grainger, his wife Melissa, and Peel Development Commission commercial officer Lisa Taylor. It is during this meeting that Mr. Poland allegedly made statements regarding his influence with state ministers, including Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
The recording, which has been played multiple times in court, captures Mr. Poland stating, “I have three different meetings with Rita regularly.” This statement, among others made during the encounter, forms a key part of the evidence in the defamation case.
Andrew Hastie’s Alleged Role
Andrew Hastie, the federal member for Canning—a seat that encompasses parts of the Peel region—is implicated in the legal saga due to his alleged involvement in the distribution of the recording. Court evidence suggests that Mr. Hastie sent the covert recording to journalist Nathan Hondros in February 2019.
During his testimony, Mr. Hondros stated that Mr. Hastie had initially brought the recording to his attention, suggesting it “may be of interest” and offering to facilitate a copy. Subsequently, Mr. Hondros confirmed receiving the audio file via a WhatsApp message.
The involvement of Mr. Hastie, along with two of his staffers and former WA Liberal leader Zak Kirkup, has drawn them into the legal dispute concerning their purported roles in circulating the recording.
Content of the Defamatory Articles
The two articles published by WAtoday, which are the subject of Mr. Poland’s defamation claim, reportedly detailed serious allegations. The first article focused on claims that Mr. Poland had attempted to orchestrate a “backdoor deal” on behalf of the State Government. This alleged deal involved the disposal of millions of tonnes of “toxic soil” on a plot of land within the Peel region.
The second article published by WAtoday alleged that Mr. Poland had asserted responsibility for a specific version of a lobster policy. This policy was reportedly adopted and subsequently abandoned by the then Fisheries Minister, Dave Kelly. Mr. Poland contends that these publications have caused significant damage to his reputation and business interests.
Legal Proceedings and Testimony
The defamation case has seen extensive legal arguments and the presentation of evidence from various parties. Mr. Hastie’s testimony is a significant development, shedding light on the origins of the recording and its transmission to the media. The court is tasked with determining whether the articles published by WAtoday were defamatory and, if so, to what extent.
The legal battle highlights the complex interplay between political figures, business interests, and media reporting. The court’s findings will likely address issues of journalistic privilege, the accuracy of reporting, and the potential for reputational harm stemming from published content. The case continues to unfold, with further evidence and testimonies expected to be presented.
Conclusion
The defamation lawsuit brought by Greg Poland against WAtoday, with Federal MP Andrew Hastie’s testimony now a key component, centers on two articles published in 2019. The core of the dispute involves a secretly recorded conversation and allegations of brokering controversial deals and influencing policy. The court’s ultimate decision will hinge on the evidence presented regarding the truthfulness of the WAtoday articles and the extent of any damage to Mr. Poland’s reputation.
