Walter Sofronoff Loses Federal Court Bid to Overturn Serious Corrupt Conduct Finding
On 11 December 2025, the Federal Court, presided by Justice Wendy Abraham, dismissed Walter Sofronoff’s attempt to overturn the ACT Integrity Commission’s finding that he engaged in serious corrupt conduct.
The ACT Integrity Commission’s Juno report concluded that Sofronoff leaked details of the Lehrmann inquiry to journalists before its official release and maintained extensive communications with journalist Janet Albrechtsen, acts that undermined the board’s integrity.
Sofronoff had been appointed by the ACT government to assess allegations of political interference in the Lehrmann trial and in 2023 found no such interference. However, the Juno report contrasted these findings with his disclosures to two reporters and his communications with Albrechtsen, indicating he did not act in good faith and that his conduct compromised fairness.
Previously, in March 2024, the ACT Supreme Court ruled that Sofronoff’s findings against Drumgold were biased due to his communications with Albrechtsen, supported by evidence of 273 interactions over seven months, including 51 calls, texts, emails, and a private lunch.
The court accepted that Sofronoff’s conduct could amount to partiality, noting he favoured the interests of journalists over his official duties, underpinning the Juno report’s conclusions.
The ruling also rejected Sofronoff’s claim that evidence of dishonesty or partiality required direct proof of false testimony, stating the commission’s findings could be supported by surrounding circumstances.
The parties now have until the end of next week to submit cost submissions, with any competing orders to be decided on the papers.
