Talk is cheap, and this guy's critics have spent a fortune.
This is a smart move. His lawyer says Ambrose has been slandered and vilified by some in the National Party operating in election mode. They’ve treated him as if he had no reputation to defend.
With loose language about Ambrose’s actions being ‘illegal’ and ‘unethical’ being relentlessly squirted at him … by increasingly desperate-sounding National apparatchiks — including failed National candidates working in the media — and various partisan spin doctors (amateur and professional) … it makes total sense to seek a declaratory judgement. The smear would become reality if left unchallenged, and the stakes for Ambrose personally are way out of proportion.
Good on him.
Journalist takes tea tape saga to court
Kirsty Johnston, Andrea Vance, Danya Levy and Michelle Cooke stuff.co.nz 17/11/11
The cameraman at the centre of the tea tapes saga, Bradley Ambrose, has filed proceedings with the Auckland High Court in an attempt to clear his name.
Ambrose’s lawyer, Ron Mansfield, said he was seeking a declaratory judgement as to whether the conversation which took place between Prime Minister John Key and Act candidate John Banks was private. Ambrose has denied the recording was intentional.
If a judgement was made saying the meeting was not private, police would be unable to prosecute.
“He’s needed to take this action because the National Party in particular has been describing his conduct as unlawful and unethical,” Mansfield said.
“This is obviously damaging his reputation and ability to work.”
Key complained to police earlier this week that his meeting with ACT’s Epsom candidate John Banks at an Auckland cafe on Friday had been illegally recorded by Ambrose.
Police said today four media outlets would be searched under warrant for material relating to the meeting and subsequent interviews with Ambrose.
Mansfield said the court action was to protect his client.
“Work is all that he has. So rather than be political fodder and not being able to respond he’s done what’s responsible and gone to the court to seek a ruling.”
“Why should he wait and not be able to pay his bills because it’s convenient to the Government?”
Mansfield said Ambrose was yet to be contacted by police. As the proceeding was now before the court he would make no further comment. …
Its a sad day for privacy in this country if this is not considered Private.
I replied to you here, Craig: http://www.thepaepae.com/is-nzs-international-reputation-as-a-democracy-taking-a-pasting/20501/ – P
[…] taking a pasting?Posted in November 18, 2011Peter AranyiNo Comments »I started to reply to a comment by Craig, who suggested that if Bradley Ambrose is successful in his call for the High Court to […]
Prime Minister gets the plods involved – media searched and subjected to intimidation – finally the media are doing what the public need them to do. More power to them – the fairy dust that Key and his thugs kept putting over the media has now been dispelled. The ugly monster is revealed for what it really is. Neo liberal thugs – who want to maintain their overlordship by stealth or foul means – whatever keeps them in power.
The world is changing Key – you couldnt see the train coming down the track and now it will run you over. Your days of situational ethics and “dinnamic” environments are gone. Swept away like the rubbish your policies and personal beliefs really are.
[…] as I see it, smear Hager, who wrote blockbuster The Hollow Men and, separately, the Tea Pot Tapes cameraman). Jon Stephenson talks, carefully, about his recent legal moves to push back against some of that […]