A Federal Court has granted Seven suppression orders in upcoming confidential mediation with former employee, Amelia Saw.
The former Spotlight producer lodged a Fair Work complaint against the network, claiming she was subjected to a hostile working environment.
Federal Court judge Nye Perram had previously noted that the case could involve “the washing of a large amount of dirty linen in public”.
Three media organisations – Nine Entertainment, the ABC and News Corp Australia – opposed Seven’s application.
Justice Perram on Friday afternoon said the public release of the material could “imperil” upcoming confidential mediation between Ms Saw and her former employer.
Therefore, he said the material would be subject to a suppression order and non-publication order.
Seven did not seek permanent suppression or non-publication orders – just orders that would last until seven days after the mediation or, alternatively, until after the filing of its defence.
In delivering judgment, Justice Perram said while the pleadings were “embarrassing” for Seven, that was not reason enough to have them suppressed. But he said the release of the documents could affect the administration of justice because it could prevent successful mediation.
A Seven spokesperson previously said Seven denied Ms Saw’s allegations.
“Seven Network strongly and categorically rejects the allegations by Amelia Saw,” a spokesperson said.
Source: news.com.au, The Australian.
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