Rex Patrick launches public advocacy fund to support defence whistleblower David McBride

Former senator says fund has raised six-figure sum and will run intense' social media campaign about McBride and ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle

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The former senator Rex Patrick has launched a public advocacy fund in the hope of shining a spotlight on the federal government's case against defence whistleblower David McBride.

McBride, a former army lawyer, will face a criminal trial in November for his alleged role in leaking defence documents to the media revealing alleged war crimes.

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