30 Apr 2013

Judicial review into MFAT leaks

9:44 pm on 30 April 2013

The lawyer for a person identified in a draft report about leaked Cabinet papers has told the High Court that information related to his client should be removed from the report.

The person sought a judicial review, asking to have all references to them removed from the report, which involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The report, written by Paula Rebstock, investigates leaks into proposed cuts of 300 jobs at the ministry and the closure of some overseas posts.

The person, identified in court as Applicant A, strongly denies any involvement in the leak.

Applicant A's lawyer Jason McHerron says the inclusion of information on his client in the report could have a detrimental effect on their reputation.

However, Ms Rebstock's lawyer Una Jagose says evidence shows that Applicant A photocopied and scanned documents, and Ms Rebstock's investigation was thorough and fair.

The judge has reserved his decision on Tuesday.