ABC to call at least 15 witnesses for ‘significant’ truth defence in Christian Porter case

Minister's lawyers succeed in winning interim suppression orders of details of the broadcaster's defence

Christian Porter's lawyers have claimed that the ABC is not pleading the defence of truth to most" of his defamation claim, but the public broadcaster said this would be a significant" part of its case involving 15 witnesses.

At a federal court hearing on Friday, the minister's lawyers succeeded in winning interim orders to prevent publication of particulars of the ABC's defence, pending a hearing to determine the merits of the minister's application, including if they are an abuse of court process.