Australia Pursues Up to $150,000 in Legal Costs Against Former Senator Over AUKUS Nuclear Waste FoI Case

After former senator Rex Patrick won a May 2026 tribunal ruling to release AUKUS nuclear waste storage documents, Australia's industry department appealed to federal court and is seeking up to $150,000 in personal costs if he loses. Patrick secured a partial cost cap. Senators and transparency groups warn the move deters public-interest FoI litigation; the department disputes that model litigant rules bar it.