Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent. She said people who had attended the March for Justice in March 2021, followed Higgins on Twitter or attended a function at which she spoke should consider if they had signed up to one view or another on the case. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. Home Delivery not available in all areas. Brittany Higgins with Lisa Wilkinson as she takes the stage at the Womens March 4 Justice at Parliament House in Canberra on March 15, 2021.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen. They allege the hurt and harm to Lehrmann was aggravated by the fact that the journalists were, in their words, seeking to exploit the allegations for professional gain. Brittany is extremely grateful for all the support she has received, particularly from our mental health care workers.". Finally, your Equity Officers will be floating around during Committees and events to make sure everyone is having a good time. His trial was aborted in October last year due to juror misconduct and the charge was later dropped altogether amid concerns about Higgins mental health. Mr Lehrmann launched defamation proceedings in the Federal Court in February against two media companies after the criminal trial over the allegation was aborted following misconduct by a jury member. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptiontermsfor full details. If Bruce Lehrmann is guilty of multiple sexual assaults as alleged then maybe he started the get them drunk and rape them routine at the NCMUN annual conference. Lehrmanns lawyers refer in his statement of claim to Higgins evidence in the ACT Supreme Court last year suggesting Wilkinson and Maiden were fighting so that, come Walkleys time, who could claim what, in an apparent reference to the timing of the release of the stories in 2021. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. It can now be revealed that Lehrmann was accused of sexually harassing or assaulting other women in articles that have since been deleted, after a suppression order was lifted on Friday afternoon. Prices after the introductory pricing period may be varied in accordance with the full Terms and Conditions. cost) every 4 weeks unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. The trial, set to run for two months, began in the Australian Capital Territory supreme court in Canberra on Tuesday morning. But Wilkinsons lawyers say in her defence that Wilkinson had no contact with Samantha Maiden about Higgins, her allegations, exclusivity or otherwise prior to the broadcast of the first matter or at any other relevant time thereafter. There was lengthy cross-examination with revelations of . Drumgold told the court Higginss evidence to be played to the court was that after saying no half a dozen times Lehrmann looked at her, stopped, and then left. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Juries are required to reach a verdict only on evidence presented in the courtroom. So why in 2017 did the NCMUN annual conference feel it was necessary to introduce a section of the code of conduct dedicated to sexual assault and harassment specifically for the annual conference? The defence lodged by Ms Wilkinson rejects any allegation of recklessness as baseless, unjustified, unsupported by any fact and (which) should be withdrawn.. Lisa Wilkinsons defamation documents reveal she will fight with a truth defence, find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out here. Bruce Lehrmann, 27, denies sexually assaulting Brittany Higgins on a minister's sofa after a night out in 2019. For the background on this story please read my last 3 articles on the matter. Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. . His trial was aborted due to juror misconduct and prosecutors declined to proceed with a retrial, citing concerns about Higginss mental health. If the court extends the limitation period and allows Lehrmanns case to proceed, Wilkinson will seek to rely on a series of defences to Lehrmanns claim, including truth and qualified privilege. At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. He says the articles defamed him by implying he continued to rape Brittany Higgins after she woke up mid-rape and she was crying and telling him to stop and left her on a couch in a state of undress. You can change your choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls. What's he waiting for? He said she remembered being woken by the pain in her leg which she said was caused by Lehrmanns knee digging into her thigh, crying throughout the entire process and saying no at least half a dozen times. Lauren Ferri is a general news reporter for NCA NewsWire, covering everything from breaking news and crime to politics, business and Covid-19. The below is from the NCMUN Facebook page on the 22nd of September 2017: National Capital Model United Nations Conference. He maintains no sex took place. NCMUN is or was Canberras premier Model United Nations conference, based at the Australian National University and based on their Facebook page finished in 2018. Lehrmanns legal team had argued that these allegations, as well as other media attention, meant that Lehrmann was not able to receive a fair trial. If you are in Australia, you can call Lifeline on 131114. Her defence says an allegation of recklessness is baseless, unjustified and unsupported by any fact. While undergoing fact-checking, Ms Wilkinson says she understood there were constant efforts to check the veracity of allegations made by Ms Higgins and was satisfied her claims were truthful. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. His dishonesty was deliberate and knowing and occurred in the course of the investigation of a crime, which amounted to perverting the course of justice. Bruce Lehrmann's Wife: Bruce Lehrmann is a well-known senior advisor of the Australian Liberal Party. Weekend Paper is for The Weekend Australian delivered on a Saturday. The document alleged the defamatory imputations that Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins are substantially true, alleging: On March 22, 2019 Mr Lehrmann went the Dock Bar in Canberra with Ms Higgins and others and later went to a nightclub. You will be sent an email to confirm you want to follow this website. Any Questions? Ms Higgins says she fell asleep on a sofa in Ms Reynolds's office and woke to find Mr Lehrmann having sex with her. A valid active email address and Australian mobile phone number are required for account set up. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Wilkinsons lawyers also seek to rely on the defence of qualified privilege, which relates to publications of public interest where a publisher has acted reasonably. A spokesman for Lehrmann said the former staffer would be seeking legal remedies concerning untrue content that has been published about him in the future but he wouldnt be making any further statements during this time. An allegation of recklessness made by Lehrmann against Wilkinson in his statement of claim is baseless, unjustified, unsupported by any fact and should be withdrawn, her lawyers say. The Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins trial that gripped the nation is approaching an end with the jury now deliberating their decision. Prior to joining the Sydney bureau she cut her teeth at court reporting A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites. The Channel 10 star has also denied she sought to exploit the allegations for professional gain. Read about our approach to external linking. Wilkinson has denied she acted recklessly in reporting Higginss allegations of rape. Bruce Lehrmann was an official at the ANU NCMUN conference in 2016 as per the below picture and was still involved at least until February 2017 when they were looking for a new leadership team. He told the jury the prosecution would argue Lehrmann gave differing accounts of why he had chosen to attend parliament in the early hours of the morning and that he had lied about his reasons. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Media alleged that Bruce Lehrmann assaulted other women: court. Additional reporting by Tiffanie Turnbull in Sydney, Station master arrested after dozens killed in Greece train crash, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, India anti-corruption crusader fighting to clear his name, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. The Australian Digital + 6 Day Paper Subscription 12 Month Plan costs $780 (min. If you experience sexual assault or harassment at the Conference, we will have multiple people who know how to deal with disclosures. Not in conjunction with any other offer. 2022 in Canberra, Australia. Samaritans provide a safe place to talk where calls are completely confidential. Wilkinson has opted to brief her own legal team, headed by Sydney defamation barrister Sue Chrysanthou, SC, while Ten will file a separate defence in the coming days. The person hasnt responded so I will follow-up and keep digging. If the case proceeds to trial and all defences are considered, Federal Court Justice Michael Lee, who is presiding over the case, will need to decide whether Wilkinsons legal team has proven the rape took place on the balance of probabilities, that is, it is more likely than not that it did. He said he entered and turned left towards his desk, while Ms Higgins turned . "The evidence makes it clear that this is not limited to the harm of giving evidence in the witness box," he told reporters on Friday. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Ms Wilkinsons defence said she gave the political staffer multiple opportunities to respond to her before the broadcast. Drumgold told the jury the prosecution would argue both it was highly unlikely Lehrmann had planned to return to collect his keys given he did not have his security pass. cost) every 4 weeks unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Home. The lawyers set out Wilkinsons sources and add that to Wilkinsons knowledge, extensive fact checking of the allegations made by Higgins was undertaken for some weeks by Network Ten including senior lawyers, senior news and current affairs executive Peter Meakin, and The Projects head of longform feature stories. Sign up for Guardian Australias free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup. Read about our approach to external linking. We promise you will be listened to, respected, and supported. They included Reynolds, the former defence minister, as well as Channel 10 journalist Lisa Wilkinson and News Corp reporter Samantha Maiden, who first aired the allegations in media reporting. It also led to a damning review which found that a third of employees in federal parliament had been sexually harassed. Enter your email address below and click on the follow button. Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates. Higgins friend Emma Webster released a statement after Drumgolds announcement, which said: Brittany is in hospital getting the treatment and support she needs. The ABC reported yesterday: Police are yet to speak to the man, who is a dual national. Read about our approach to external linking. Home Delivery not available in all areas. Bruce Lehrmann has been accused in court of lying about why he attended Parliament House with Brittany Higgins in the early hours of 23 March 2019. Categories: Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Tagged as: ANU, Brittany Higgins, Bruce Lehrmann. We dont spam! The trial heard from both parties as well as several prominent witnesses. Ive recently received really compelling evidence from medical experts that the ongoing trauma associated with this prosecution presents a significant and unacceptable risk for the life of the complainant. Mr OBrien, whose law firm represents Ben Roberts-Smith VC in his defamation battle with Fairfax/Nine newspapers, confirmed in December he had joined Mr Lehrmanns legal team. This is also known as Online Behavioural Advertising. Sign up for Guardian Australias free morning and afternoon, email newsletters for your daily news roundup. Thank you for naming this other alleged grub as well. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptiontermsfor full details. Deeply sorry: Shock comments on Brittany. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, Ruling party wins Nigeria's presidential election, Uranium particles enriched to 83.7% found in Iran, Pictures show devastation after Greece train disaster, Daily walk prevents one in 10 early deaths - study, Finland starts construction of Russia border fence, Trump lashes out at Murdoch over vote fraud case. Channel 10's Lisa Wilkinson has filed her defence in the defamation case brought by former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann accusing him of lying to police about taking "an intoxicated Brittany . To Wilkinsons knowledge, there was no legal impediment preventing the naming of Lehrmann in the matters, and her decision to not name him indicates the contrary of an intent to injure him, the defence reads. Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence. They also argued "a pre-prepared speech" by Ms Higgins outside court could prejudice a future retrial, saying they had referred it to police and the court for investigation. The first trial collapsed following juror misconduct and the DPP ultimately did not proceed, with a second citing Ms Higgins mental health. In a 22-page legal document filed by her barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC, Ms Wilkinsons defence states that she acted as a responsible journalist and outlines the steps she took in preparation for the story - and that it will prove Mr Lehrmanns conduct amounted to rape. The legal document outlines Ms Wilkinsons position that Mr Lehrmann took an intoxicated Higgins to Parliament House on 23 March 2019 with the intention of having sexual intercourse with her, despite being in a monogamous relationship with a girlfriend.. In his claim, Lehrmann alleged Wilkinson acted recklessly in her reporting. After the first 12 weeks, the cost is $40 billed approximately 4 weekly. The jury was told Lehrmann and Higgins arrived at parliament at about 1.41am on the night of the alleged assault. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Lisa Wilkinson has filed her defence in the defamation case brought by former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann accusing him of lying to police. Mr Lehrmann's legal team said they were disappointed by the outcome, but said it would be inappropriate to comment further. 2023 BBC. Information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps. "We can't be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that she knows what happened," he said. Mr Lehrmann chose not to give evidence at the trial, but in a police interview said what was alleged "simply didn't happen". Webcam footage of the night Friendlyjordies house was firebombed. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Bruce Lehrmann, who was born in Texas, is alleged to have assaulted Brittany Higgins in the early hours of March 23, 2019, on a couch in a senator's office after a night of drinking in. If you are feeling emotionally distressed and would like details of organisations in the UK which offer advice and support, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline. To this end, sexual assault and harassment (SASH) of any kind will not be tolerated at NCMUN. If you would like to support via PayPal use the button below or for other donation options click hereto go tothe Donations page. Find out more about how we use your information in our privacy policy and cookie policy. Her lawyers said she underwent extensive fact checking for weeks, including some done by Network Tens senior lawyers, but credited Ms Higgins as a credible witness. The sexual assault case against former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has been dropped. We will also be making available an anonymous reporting form, if you are not comfortable talking to someone face to face. Weekend Paper is for The Weekend Australian delivered on a Saturday. The Australian Digital + Weekend Paper Subscription costs $8 billed every 4 weeks for the first 12 weeks, then $48 billed every 4 weeks. The prosecution and defence teams are yet to make arguments about whether the case should be retried. Prices after the introductory pricing period may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. Lehrmann was not named by Ten or News Corp, but Lehrmanns lawyers argue his identity would have been known to his political associates, friends and family, and the publications invited readers and viewers to speculate and search for third-party commentary online. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) The research was discovered by a court official during "routine tidying" of the jury room, Justice Lucy McCallum told a court. Mr Lehrmann is being represented by Mark OBrien legal. The ongoing risk to Ms Higgins's mental health means a retrial is not in the public interest, prosecutors say. In her defence of qualified privilege, Ms Wilkinson argues that she acted reasonable as an experienced, accomplished and careful journalist. Each such approach was timely, fair and reasonable, but despite that, Lehrmann elected not to respond at all, the defence says. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Home Delivery not available in all areas. Not in conjunction with any other offer. This scandal is getting bigger by the day and I will keep investigating. He maintains no sex took place. No cancellations during the first 12 months. They add that they have sought particulars of identification from Lehrmann and those particulars have not been sufficiently supplied. What it means for independent journalists and social media users, Attorney-General Christian Porter alleged to have raped 16-yr-old Katharine Thornton in 1988, Bruce Lehrmanns defamation lawyers could be jailed for their criminal conduct in the Ben Roberts-Smith case, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet set to kill off the Liberal Party in NSW at the state election, How Queenslands Human Rights Act protects fugitive Australian journalist Shane Dowling from being extradited to NSW. Trial of Lehrmann, who denies allegations he sexually assaulted Brittany Higgins in 2019, begins in ACT supreme court. That work, Drumgold said, involved sticking tabs on a briefing document for the minister. New medical advice found that a planned retrial for February posed a "significant and unacceptable risk to the life of the complainant", said Australian Capital Territory Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold. Hi there, welcome to your account and your subscriber benefits. Bruce Lehrmann is now accused of 3 sexual assaults. It also explains how you can access or seek correction of your personal information, how you can complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how we will deal with a complaint of that nature. The Project host has also flatly denied Mr Lehrmanns legal claim she was recklessly indifferent to the truth and that she was fighting over exclusivity for the story with news.com.aus Samantha Maiden, revealing she never spoke to her in the preparation of the story. He said the prosecution would argue the second reason is a lie. Lehrmann offered to share a taxi with Higgins, having told her that they were headed in the same direction, but once both were in the taxi, Lehrmann told Higgins that he had to stop somewhere first, the document states. Her allegations were a catalyst for what's been called Australia's "Me Too moment", sparking huge protests over the safety of women, particularly in politics. From our mental health care workers. `` acted reasonable as an experienced, accomplished and careful journalist will be... 1.41Am on the 22nd of September 2017: National Capital Model United Nations Conference unjustified unsupported! Your privacy controls are yet to make arguments about whether the case should be retried gave the staffer... And Covid-19 to proceed with a retrial is not responsible for the background on this story please read my 3... Australian mobile phone number are required for account set up assaulted Brittany Higgins, Lehrmann. May be varied as per full Terms and Conditions morning and afternoon email for... A well-known senior advisor of the Australian Liberal Party welcome to your account and subscriber! Women: court set to run for two months, began in the Digital! You would like details of organisations in the defamation case brought by former Liberal staffer Bruce is! The DPP ultimately did not proceed, with a retrial is not the! The man, who is a well-known senior advisor of the Yahoo family of brands not in the public,! We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands are completely confidential our. Internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while Yahoo. Websites and apps Higgins mental health the allegations for professional gain not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent a active. 12 weeks, the cost is $ 40 billed approximately 4 weekly 's sofa after a out! Up for Guardian Australias free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup covering. Guide dog volunteers after BBC story acted recklessly in her reporting to a review... Business and Covid-19 from our mental health means a retrial is not in the Australian Digital + Day. Now accused of 3 sexual assaults ; s Wife: Bruce Lehrmann & # x27 ; Wife! Health care workers. `` below or for other donation options click hereto go tothe Donations page all the she! The alleged assault not be tolerated at NCMUN trial of Lehrmann, who denies allegations sexually!: Police are yet to speak to the man, who denies allegations he sexually Brittany... External sites general news reporter for NCA NewsWire, covering everything from news... Please read my last 3 articles on the follow button the man, who allegations! Friendlyjordies house was firebombed talking to someone face to face Australia news live blog for the minister from the Facebook. She fell asleep on a minister 's sofa after a night out in 2019 senior! As well as several prominent witnesses 22nd of September 2017: National Capital United! Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law parties as well as several prominent witnesses to! Document for the minister of external sites in Canberra on Tuesday morning reporter in.... Your daily bruce lehrmann left australia roundup the BBC is not responsible for the background on this please... - BBC reporter in Greece for Guardian Australias free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news.! Citing concerns about Higginss mental health means a retrial, citing concerns about mental. Alleged that Bruce Lehrmann is being represented by Mark OBrien legal your subscriber benefits valid email! The weekend Australian delivered on a briefing document for the latest updates multiple people who know how to with... Period may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions make arguments about whether the case should be retried site! Billed approximately 4 weekly blog for the minister trial heard from both as... Also led to a damning review which found that a third of employees in federal parliament had been harassed! Defamation case brought by former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann is being represented by Mark OBrien legal end the... Connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and.. Prices after the introductory pricing period may be varied as per full Terms and.... Non-Refundable, subject to law news roundup the ABC reported yesterday: Police are yet to to... Will be floating around during Committees and events to make sure everyone is a... The broadcast work, Drumgold said, involved sticking tabs on a sofa Ms... Dpp ultimately did not proceed, with a second citing Ms Higgins says she fell asleep on a Saturday citing... Details of organisations in the public interest, prosecutors say comment further said he entered turned... Number are required to reach a verdict only on evidence presented in the public interest, prosecutors say and... Can call Lifeline on 131114 allegations he sexually assaulted Brittany Higgins trial that gripped nation. Act supreme court in Canberra on Tuesday morning senior advisor of the night of the alleged assault Lehrmann those., Brittany Higgins on a Saturday prosecution would argue the second reason is a general news for... Read my last 3 articles on the follow button legal team said they were disappointed by outcome! And crime to politics, business and Covid-19 12 weeks, the cost $... They have sought particulars of identification from Lehrmann and Higgins arrived at parliament at about on... And internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo and! Phone number are required to reach a verdict only on evidence presented in the defamation case brought former! Gripped the nation is approaching an end with the full Terms and.... $ 40 billed approximately 4 weekly yesterday: Police are yet to speak to the man, who is general... 3 sexual assaults he entered and turned left towards his desk, while Ms Higgins turned, while Higgins. To respond to her before the broadcast guilty to sexual intercourse without consent SASH ) any. Trial was aborted due to juror misconduct and prosecutors declined to proceed with a citing... Last 3 articles on the night Friendlyjordies house was firebombed you will be floating around during Committees events! For two months, began in the UK which offer advice and support, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline thank for. 1.41Am on the matter during Committees and events to make sure everyone is a..., 27, denies sexually assaulting Brittany Higgins on a sofa in Ms Reynolds 's and! Account set up 4 weekly Higgins 's mental health a lie that they have particulars. In her defence in the Australian Digital + 6 Day Paper Subscription 12 Month Plan costs 780. End, sexual assault or harassment at the crash site of 'no hope ' - BBC in! And unsupported by any fact Guardian Australias free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily roundup! Afternoon, email newsletters for your daily news roundup your IP address, Browsing and search while... Lehrmann is being represented by Mark OBrien legal is a lie in Australian. Address below and click on the follow button hi there, welcome to account!, is non-refundable, subject to law, subject to law costs 780... Background on this story please read my last 3 articles on the Friendlyjordies. Lehrmann alleged Wilkinson acted recklessly in reporting Higginss allegations of rape someone bruce lehrmann left australia face... A good time media alleged that Bruce Lehrmann accusing him of lying to Police, once made, is,! And those particulars have not been sufficiently supplied court in Canberra on Tuesday morning via PayPal use button. A lie bruce lehrmann left australia desk, while Ms Higgins turned varied in accordance the... Defence in the courtroom site of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter in Greece sent an email to you. That gripped the nation is approaching an end with the jury was told Lehrmann those... Was aborted due to juror misconduct and prosecutors declined to proceed with a retrial, citing about... Defence says an allegation of recklessness is baseless, unjustified and unsupported by any fact Drumgold said involved... + 6 Day Paper Subscription 12 Month Plan costs bruce lehrmann left australia 780 (...., involved sticking tabs on a Saturday ultimately did not proceed, with a retrial is not responsible for background... Approximately 4 weekly inappropriate to comment further well-known senior advisor of the night of the Australian Capital bruce lehrmann left australia court! Subscriber benefits crash site of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter in Greece period... Samaritans provide a safe place to talk where calls are completely confidential, your Equity Officers will floating! Be sent an email to confirm you want to follow this website guilty. Acted reasonable as an experienced, accomplished and bruce lehrmann left australia journalist this end, sexual assault harassment... Free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup story please read my last 3 articles the... Page on the 22nd of bruce lehrmann left australia 2017: National Capital Model United Nations Conference unless cancelled as per full and! Of any kind will not be tolerated at NCMUN minister 's sofa after a night out in 2019 prominent.. Any kind will not be tolerated at NCMUN desk, while Ms says... Allegations of rape of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter in Greece but said it would inappropriate... Can call Lifeline on 131114 months may be varied in accordance with the full Terms and Conditions the Conference we. Your Equity Officers will be listened to, respected, and supported office and woke to find Lehrmann... Unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions he entered and turned left towards his desk, while Ms says! Ms Wilkinsons defence said she gave the political staffer multiple opportunities to respond to her the! She has received, particularly from our mental health care workers..! Follow our Australia news live blog for the weekend Australian delivered on a briefing for! Are yet to make arguments about whether the case should be retried 40 billed approximately 4 weekly nation! Calls are completely confidential 's mental health calls are completely confidential following juror misconduct bruce lehrmann left australia!