Lehrmann, Qantas and Star: The trials of Justice Michael Lee

This is just an excerpt. The full interview with MICHAEL LEE is available exclusively for Rampart subscribers - go to rampart.news to watch now.Justice Michael Lee has presided over some of the most important trials in recent Australian history:  Bruce Lehrmann v Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson; Qantas' illegal sacking of 1,820 ground workers and the corporate regulator ASIC's case against Star Entertainment's former board directors and company executives. He's also the judge who ruled against journalist Joe Aston and Nine Entertainment in a defamation trial taken by the former head of venture capital at Blue Sky Alternative Investments. In this entertaining and candid conversation, Justice Lee explains why he thinks it's important that judges speak out on matters that are relevant to the administration of justice, the erosion of trust in courts and institutions and how artificial intelligence should be managed by corporations and board directors. Justice Lee also discusses matters beyond the law, including his love of red ball cricket and disappointment about the state of the modern game. He's also writing a screenplay about Sydney in the Great Depression era and the former NSW Premier, Jack Lang. Don't miss it. Rampart Talks is brought to you by ⁠⁠BHP⁠, ⁠Generation Life and Ray White Commercial⁠.About Joe Aston:Joe Aston is one of Australia's most influential commentators on business, finance and politics.For 12 years, he struck fear into the hearts of the nation's political and corporate leaders, transforming The Australian Financial Review's Rear Window into the nation's premier daily column.In 2024, he became a best-selling author with the publication of his first book, The Chairman's Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out.And in 2025, he launched ⁠Rampart⁠, a premium subscription news publication specialising in Australian business and finance. Follow Joe Aston on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠X⁠.Follow Rampart on ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠.Rampart TalksProducer: Eliza HarveyProduction/Editing: Mentored Studios Commercial support: Squiz Media