A Supreme Court judge has been asked to overturn a suppression order that prevents the identification of a high-profile Queensland man involved in an extortion case. The order, made by Acting Magistrate Gelma Meoli in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday, suppresses the identities of all parties, including the high-profile man, who is neither a witness nor a direct target of the extortion.
Lawyers for four media outlets, including the ABC, have sought a judicial review of the order. The review was adjourned to July 31 at the Supreme Court in Cairns, where it will begin in a closed court with submissions on whether it should remain closed.
The accused man, who cannot be named, is charged with extortion for allegedly threatening to reveal information about his former partner and a married Queensland public figure. In making the non-publication order, Magistrate Meoli acknowledged the married man's high public profile but stated the order was not based on that profile or potential reputational harm.
Magistrate Meoli said suppressing the married man's name was essential to protect the complainant and prevent the accused from achieving the extortion's goal publicly. It has not been alleged that the married man had any knowledge of the extortion. The accused is next due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on July 28.
