Legal papers, 1964-1984

Component identifier:

Series 12

Content Summary:

This series contains papers assembled by Sinclair during his involvement in several personal legal cases.

In 1977 Sinclair sued the Maryborough Chronicle for accusing him of simultaneously receiving money from the Federal Government as a paid witness to the Fraser Island Environment Inquiry while earning a salary as a public servant. The matter was settled out of court in 1982. Papers relating to this case are in files 3-7.

The other major case represented in these papers is the defamation action Sinclair brought against Sir Johannes Bjelke-Petersen in 1977 over comments which questioned his ability to perform his job in adult education while being simultaneously involved in the conservation struggle. Sinclair initially won $500 damages plus costs for his defamation action in 1981. However, on appeal to the Full Court, the decision was overturned and Sinclair was ordered to pay Bjelke-Petersen's costs plus interest ($32,000). After national media coverage, Sinclair received $63,000 in donations from the public in order to cover costs. Papers relating to this case are in files 8 to 9.

The files contain correspondence with solicitors and others, newspaper cuttings, statements, records of proceedings, notes and other legal papers. Some files relate to more general legal matters rather than specific cases. Sinclair's experience with legal matters lead to him being invited to speak on legal issues from the layman's perspective. Some of these addresses are also included in the papers.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The collection was donated to the Library by Sinclair in 1995 and 2000.

Names:

Sinclair, John, 1939-

Contents

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