Key Takeaways
- Cate Sayers is suing her ex‑husband Luke Sayers for defamation after he allegedly blamed her for posting a “dick pic” of his penis on his X account in January 2025.
- Luke Sayers sought to move the case from the Victorian Supreme Court to a federal court to have a judge‑only trial, a motion heard on Monday.
- Australian Oscar‑nominated actress Rachel Griffiths attended the hearing for research on a forthcoming defamation‑themed drama titled Slander, in which she will star and produce.
- Griffiths’ low‑key courtroom presence contrasted with a noticeable exit alongside Cate Sayers and her lawyer, attracting media attention.
- Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority data revealed that Deputy Nationals leader Darren Chester’s office continued to bill taxpayers for a fax machine he claimed had not been used in ~15 years; he has ordered the line disconnected.
- Coalition MPs Scott Buchholz and Bob Katter together spent over $50,000 on flags in the March quarter, citing Australia Day, the school year start, and Anzac Day as justification.
- Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama launched a whistle‑stop Australian speaking tour in Melbourne, offering two 90‑minute “In Conversation” events with tickets ranging from $145 to $895; platinum tickets sold out quickly.
- ABC identity Annabel Crabb will host both Melbourne events, while Leigh Sales will host Obama’s Sydney shows; the Melbourne sessions are media‑free zones.
- The article also notes regular CBD columnists Fiona Byrne and John Buckley, who contribute to The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Defamation Dispute Between Cate and Luke Sayers
The high‑profile defamation battle between Cate Sayers and her former husband Luke Sayers returned to the Victorian Supreme Court on Monday. Cate alleges that Luke wrongfully blamed her for uploading a photograph of his penis to his X (formerly Twitter) account in January 2025, claiming the act harmed her reputation. Luke, who was not present in court, filed an application to transfer the case to a federal jurisdiction, arguing that a judge‑only trial would be more appropriate than a jury hearing. The motion set the stage for a procedural showdown that drew considerable media and public interest.
Rachel Griffiths’ Courtroom Appearance
Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings, Australian actor Rachel Griffiths—Oscar nominee for Hilary & Jackie (1999) and Emmy winner for Six Feet Under (2002)—attended the hearing. Griffiths told fellow observers she was present for research purposes, as she is developing a drama series with the working title Slander. She intends to star in and produce the show, which has been in development for two years; the script is currently being written. Although the series is fictional and not based on the Sayers case, Griffiths wanted to observe courtroom dynamics to inform her portrayal of a defamation barrister.
Griffiths’ Research Methodology
During the session, Griffiths sat in the second row, took diligent notes, and at one point removed her shoes—a subtle sign of her effort to blend in. She remained deliberately low‑key while inside the courtroom, focusing on absorbing the procedural “vibe.” However, her departure was anything but inconspicuous: she exited the building alongside Cate Sayers and her lawyer, Sue Chrysanthou, where waiting photographers and film crews captured the moment, instantly turning her visit into a news item.
Federal Court Transfer Motion
The core legal argument on Monday centred on Luke Sayers’ request to shift the defamation suit from the Victorian Supreme Court to a federal court. By moving the case, Luke hopes to secure a trial presided over by a judge rather than a jury, which he believes may yield a more favourable outcome given the sensational nature of the allegations. The judge presiding over the hearing has yet to rule on the application; a decision will determine whether the case proceeds under state or federal jurisdiction and could influence the timeline and strategy for both parties.
Background of the “Dick Pic” Allegation
Cate Sayers’ claim stems from an incident in January 2025, wherein a picture of Luke Sayers’ penis appeared on his X account. Luke allegedly asserted that Cate was responsible for posting the image, a accusation she denies and contends constitutes defamation. The photograph’s rapid spread online prompted Cate to pursue legal action, asserting that the false attribution damaged her personal and professional reputation. The case has since become a flashpoint for discussions about privacy, online harassment, and the legal remedies available to individuals targeted by non‑consensual image sharing.
Parliamentary Expenses Anomaly: The Fax Machine
Shifting focus from the courtroom to Canberra, the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority’s latest data dump highlighted an oddity: Deputy Nationals leader Darren Chester’s office continued to charge taxpayers for a fax machine. Chester stated he had not sent a fax in roughly 15 years, attributing the device’s presence to the original office setup when he was first elected in 2008. He confirmed that modern communication now occurs via phone, email, and social media, and he has arranged for the fax line to be disconnected as soon as possible. The expense stood out among other quirky line items, such as substantial flag purchases by fellow MPs.
Flag Spending by Coalition MPs
The same expenses release showed that Coalition MP Scott Buchholz of Queensland spent $27,761 on flags, while Bob Katter of Katter’s Australian Party expended $23,239 over the March quarter. Buchholz explained that the outlay corresponded to key national dates—Australia Day, the start of the school year, and Anzac Day—necessitating restocking of flags for community events. He asserted that he makes “no apology for supporting and promoting the Australian flag” in his electorate. Katter did not respond to requests for comment, but the disclosed figures sparked debate about the appropriateness of such expenditures amid broader fiscal scrutiny.
Michelle Obama’s Australian Speaking Tour
Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off her Australian speaking tour in Melbourne on Tuesday, delivering two 90‑minute “In Conversation” events at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Billed as a global advocate and one of the most iconic women of her era, Obama promised to discuss strength, purpose, and hope amid uncertain times. Ticket pricing ranged from $145 for restricted‑view seats to $895 for platinum packages, which included a front‑row seat, refreshments, a copy of her book The Light We Carry, and a photo with her. Platinum and premium tickets sold out rapidly, while lower‑priced seats remained available for both sessions. ABC personality Annabel Crabb hosted the Melbourne events, which were designated media‑free zones.
Continuation of the Tour and Hosting Details
After Melbourne, Obama’s tour proceeds to Sydney for a sold‑out show on Wednesday and another on Thursday at the TikTok Entertainment Centre. Veteran journalist Leigh Sales will host the Sydney appearances. The article concludes by noting the regular contributors to the publication’s CBD column: Fiona Byrne (writing for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald) and John Buckley (also contributing to both outlets), reminding readers of the outlet’s ongoing commentary team. The piece closes with an invitation to subscribe to the Morning Edition newsletter for a daily roundup of significant stories.