It is crucial to expose the dark underbelly of the Australian authorities' failure to thoroughly investigate the chilling claims articulated on absentjustice.com. These allegations reveal a web of corporate treachery, including thuggery, unconscionable conduct, and a grotesque perversion of justice that unfolded both before and during the government-endorsed COT arbitrations. Such blatant corruption not only threatens the very existence of businesses, both large and small, but fundamentally undermines the democratic principles of justice that should safeguard our society.

The AFP unveiled a shocking reality: Telstra, Australia’s largest telecommunications provider, had been systematically monitoring the activities of single-club members, compiling their names, addresses, and telephone numbers over an extensive period. These records, meticulously collected and stored in Telstra's shadowy internal databases, had become pivotal to a troubling investigation that exposed egregious violations of privacy and corporate ethics. The enormity of this revelation sank in as the AFP urged that the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) should halt the ongoing Communications Offset Claims (COT) arbitration proceedings. However, the TIO callously dismissed their recommendation, revealing a disturbing complicity among regulatory bodies in the face of these grave issues.

The investigation into Telstra's nefarious practices sought to expose the disturbing reality of how sensitive information about at least six of the COT Cases—including my personal phone communications—was illicitly obtained without our consent. 

While these telecommunications interception issues are tied to multiple COT Cases, I will focus on my case to shed light on the dark injustice we have endured since 1995. The 93 questions I was asked during the second AFP interview, referring to Australian Federal Police Investigation File No/1), would have forced the public disclosure of their findings, a risk the government couldn't afford as Telstra prepared for privatisation. The evidence attached to absentjustice.com was not made available to those preparing the lawyers who were preparing the Telstra prospectus. The ramifications of these illegal activities would have had to have been revealed in the government’s prospectus for the sale of Telstra, a scandalous truth that they were desperate to keep hidden.

Among the documents I retrieved from Telstra, I found one particularly alarming file that I later shared with the Australian Federal Police. This document contains a record of my phone conversation with Malcolm Fraser, the former Prime Minister of Australia. To my dismay, this Telstra file had undergone redaction. Despite the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s insistence that I should have received this critical information under the Freedom of Information Act, the document and hundreds of other requested FOI documents remain withheld from me as of 2025.

What information was removed from the Malcolm Fraser FOI released document 

The AFP believed Telstra was deleting evidence at my expense 

During my first meetings with the AFP, I provided Superintendent Detective Sergeant Jeff Penrose with two Australian newspaper articles concerning two separate telephone conversations with The Hon. Malcolm Fraser, a former Prime Minister of Australia. Mr Fraser reported to the media only what he thought was necessary concerning our telephone conversation, as recorded below:

“FORMER prime minister Malcolm Fraser yesterday demanded Telecom explain why his name appears in a restricted internal memo.

“Mr Fraser’s request follows the release of a damning government report this week which criticised Telecom for recording conversations without customer permission.

“Mr Fraser said Mr Alan Smith, of the Cape Bridgewater Holiday Camp near Portland, phoned him early last year seeking advice on a long-running dispute with Telecom which Mr Fraser could not help.” 

During the second interview conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) at my business on 26 September 1994, I provided comprehensive responses to 93 questions about unauthorised surveillance and the threats I encountered from Telstra. The Australian Federal Police Investigation File No/1 includes detailed transcripts of this interview, which extensively address the threats issued by Telstra's arbitration liaison officer, Paul Rumble, and the unlawful interception of my telecommunications and arbitration-related faxes.

It is noteworthy that Paul Rumble and the arbitrator operated in collaboration. Dr. Gordon Hughes supplied Mr. Rumble with my arbitration submission materials months before Telstra should have received these documents, according to the terms of my arbitration agreement.

This situation illustrates a disregard for protocol on the part of Telstra and the individuals overseeing the various COT arbitrations. The processes involved were conducted in a manner likened to a Kangaroo Court.

It is glaringly clear from the statements made during the Australian Senate Committee hearing regarding the COT Cases claims that significant issues are at play. As we delved deeper into the matter, we uncovered alarming evidence, including documents that Telstra had inadvertently left behind at my business. These materials, carelessly situated in an open briefcase, laid bare the troubling state of Telstra's telecommunications infrastructure.

The heightened interest shown by the United States during the sale of Telstra was particularly concerning, as evidenced by the information found in Chapter 6 - US Securities Exchange - pink herring. This chapter raises critical questions about the implications of such a sale on national security and corporate integrity.

What is even more troubling is the revelation that Telstra had access to crucial legal documents while leaving Owen Dixon Chambers in Melbourne—the central hub for legal matters—on their way to the Supreme Court of Appeal during the pending appeal process of the COT Case. This situation is not only alarming but also raises serious ethical and procedural concerns. It is particularly concerning that no government agency has formally requested this evidence from me, especially at such a pivotal time during the appeals process. This oversight underscores a troubling lack of accountability and transparency in addressing these significant issues.

The arbitrator’s concealment of his letter dated 12 May 1995, addressed to Warwick Smith, is profoundly troubling. In this letter, he explicitly criticised the arbitration rules he employed during my arbitration, labelling them as not credible and in urgent need of amendment. Despite this severe indictment, he not only continued to utilise these flawed rules but also intentionally hid the letter from me throughout the entire period designated for my arbitration appeal. This behaviour is not just unethical; it borders on criminal conduct: Refer to Open Letter File No 55-A.

In layman's terms, we COT Cases were metaphorically hung, drawn, and quartered. Our human rights were trampled by our own government, blatantly disregarding Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: 

"No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks."

Who would wish to invest in Telstra, a corporation that resorts to hacking into its customers' private and business phone lines to manipulate business dealings, suppress complaints, and gather incriminating information for use in legal battles? This was not merely unethical; it was an orchestrated effort to maintain power and control at the expense of individuals who sought justice only.

The AFP investigation I was brought into, at the request of the minister and the AFP itself, aimed to unearth the identities and geolocations of callers, many of whom originated from distant regions with no traceable connection to my business. This raised haunting questions about the depths of surveillance and the corrupt data collection strategies employed by Telstra.

Amid this chaotic climate, Dr. Gordon Hughes, initially designated as the COT case assessor, was abruptly thrust into the role of arbitrator—a move fraught with treachery. He was neither a graded arbitrator nor equipped to navigate the murky waters of such intricate arbitration procedures. While he was entangled in eight separate arbitrations, each drowning in a daunting average of 20,000 claim and defence documents, the integrity of the entire process hung precariously in the balance, overshadowed by dubious motives and unsettling alliances.

The tangled web of corruption and treachery surrounding the telecommunications arbitrations in Australia reveals a deeply unsettling picture. Warwick Smith, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, deliberately chose not to suspend the arbitrations, turning a blind eye to the established practices of British Telecom in the United Kingdom, where a single arbitrator typically oversees complex cases to ensure a thorough evaluation of technical information.

What’s even more disturbing is that just before the COT arbitrations commenced, the Australian Minister for Telecommunications faced allegations of child molestation. This stands in stark contrast to Senator Bob Collins, who was overwhelmed by these serious accusations of child rape during the same period, particularly regarding incidents in his parliamentary office in Canberra (rb.gy/dsvidd).

Meanwhile, British Telecom received no scrutiny from the Home Office concerning phone and fax hacking or allegations of child rape related to its minister, who was responsible for overseeing complaints about British Telecom. And yet in Australia where one single arbitrator was arbitrating on eight arbitrations he had also to decide if the refusal by government bureaucrats in supplying documents to the COT Cases were related to the child rape claims against one of the principal ministers who had handled the COT Cases Telstra related issues.

On 1 June 2021, Mathias Cormann officially assumed office as the Secretary-General of the OECD in Paris, France. Similarly to Australia's former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, he possesses comprehensive knowledge about the legitimacy of the COT Cases claims.  

The COT's flawed arbitration process was indeed not conducted ethically, as were the British Telecom arbitrations. Telstra and the chaos of regulatory oversight created a perfect storm—one that not only threatened my business but also undermined the very integrity of the Australian telecommunications industry.

Reports have surfaced suggesting that Dr. Hughes, the arbitrator in my COT cases, was also conducting mediations, raising grave concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the arbitration process. In a calculated move to protect myself and following advice from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), I took steps to separate my Single Club Claims related to lost business. Safeguarding the sensitive information, which I had been forced to entrust to the arbitrator, became paramount, especially since the AFP clearly indicated their intent to shield this critical data from Telstra, the defendants in my arbitration case. Alarming evidence suggested that Telstra was covertly intercepting my telephone conversations for an extended period.

Subsequently, it emerged that Telstra not only monitored my phone calls but also targeted arbitration-related faxes throughout the proceedings. Disturbingly, Dr. Hughes, along with Warwick Smith, appeared to disregard crucial advice from Superintendent Detective Sergeant Jeff Penrose, the AFP officer responsible for overseeing interception issues in telecommunications. This blatant oversight raises serious doubts about their commitment to the integrity of the arbitration process and points to a troubling complicity.

An inquiry sought to uncover how Telstra was able to pinpoint the exact times my office staff departed the holiday camp during my absence. This surveillance occurred while I was actively promoting my business, prompting grave concerns about the extent of Telstra’s invasive surveillance tactics and their willingness to breach privacy rights to gain an advantage.

Exhibits 646 and 647 reveal a shocking admission from Telstra, dated April 14, 1994, in which they confessed to the AFP that my personal and business conversations were monitored and recorded clandestinely for months, claiming the monitoring occurred only during the shifts of a specific officer. This raises a chilling question: Does Telstra think the AFP will accept that every time this officer left the Portland telephone exchange, the alarm system recording my conversations was magically disabled? What possible justification exists for surveillance equipment that operates solely during this officer’s shifts?

When I submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Telstra during my arbitration, seeking comprehensive information on the data collected by the specialised surveillance equipment linked to this technician, that critical information was withheld throughout my arbitration in 1994-1995 and remains inaccessible even in 2025. This technician, a former Telstra Portland employee, reportedly provided personal information, including my phone and fax numbers, to a shadowy individual known only as "Micky."

Moreover, an alarming FOI document surfaced detailing a call made by the owner of a pizza establishment in Adelaide, originating from a location far outside my typical circle of contacts. This shocking revelation demands an urgent and thorough investigation into Telstra’s unscrupulous operations and their ethics-defying methods of information gathering. The implications of these findings are profound and sinister, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and transparency within Telstra’s practices and the arbitration process it has manipulated.

In 1994, during the turbulent period of her arbitration, Ann Garms from the COT Cases began to uncover a deeply disturbing web of corruption and betrayal. It became increasingly apparent that the denial of their Freedom of Information (FOI) requests was no mere bureaucratic oversight. Instead, whispers circulated that Bob Collins’s office, along with several other government agencies, was ensnared in a scandal tied to a chilling investigation involving a list of more than twenty powerful figures. These included influential politicians, seasoned lawyers, and even a respected judge—each linked to a horrifying child brothel operation. The very names of these elites, paired with the unsettling revelations from the Royal Commission into Police Corruption and the theft perpetrated by Telstra employees, might have slipped through the cracks and into the hands of the COT Cases during their FOI inquiries. This revelation hinted at the perilous extent of the treachery that lay beneath the surface.    

The list of over twenty child molesters with potential links to the investigation of Senator Bob Collins was mentioned by Senator Bill Heffernan and can be accessed by clicking on the Kangaroo Court image above.

"Hunt & Hunt (The company's) Australian Head Office was located in Sydney, and (the company) is a member of an international association of law firms. Due to overseas time zone differences, at close of business,  Melbourne's incoming facsimiles are night switched to automatically divert to Hunt & Hunt Sydney office where someone is always on duty. There are occasions on the opening of the Melbourne office, the person responsible for cancelling the night switching of incoming faxes from the Melbourne office to the Sydney Office, has failed to cancel the automatic diversion of incoming facsimiles." Burying The Evidence File 13-H.

Dr. Hughes's omission of the faxing issues from his disclosures to the Australian Federal Police during my arbitration is profoundly concerning. The AFP was investigating the interception of my faxes intended for the arbitrator's office; however, this pertinent issue was not addressed in Dr. Hughes's award or mentioned in any of his findings. The loss of critical arbitration documents throughout the COT Cases casts significant doubt on the integrity of the process. Furthermore, it is also troubling that Dr. Hughes did not indicate that the same Sydney office was concurrently managing legal matters for Telstra. This overlap may have caused confusion regarding the classification of Telstra documents associated with Dr. Hughes's arbitration versus those related to the Sydney office, which was dealing with similar legal concerns. Consequently, it is plausible that some of the documents lost during the COT Cases were inadvertently misallocated and, as a result, were never subjected to investigation by Dr. Hughes.

Dr Gordon Hughes is now the Principal Partner at: http://Dr Gordon Hughes AM - Lawyer

Until the late 1990s, the Australian government was the sole owner of Telecom, which served as the country's primary telephone network and communications carrier. This entity, now privatized and known as Telstra, historically held a monopoly over telecommunications in Australia. As a result of this monopoly, Telecom neglected the maintenance and development of its infrastructure, leading to significant deterioration and unsatisfactory service quality.

In a particularly troubling situation, four small business owners faced severe communication problems that severely impacted their operations. Frustrated and without recourse, they were compelled to enter into arbitration with Telstra in order to seek resolution for their grievances. Unfortunately, the arbitration process was fundamentally flawed. The appointed arbitrator demonstrated a bias towards Telstra, actively minimising the claims and losses presented by the Casualties of Telstra (COT) members. Instead of facilitating a fair process, the arbitrator allowed Telstra to effectively control the arbitration, undermining any hope for a just outcome.

Compounding these issues, Telstra was reportedly involved in serious misconduct during the arbitration proceedings. Despite the gravity of these actions, neither the Australian government nor the Australian Federal Police has yet held Telstra or any of the other parties implicated in this deception accountable for their actions. This raises a troubling question: why does it appear that Telstra operates above the law, seemingly immune to the consequences of its actions?

What unfolds in the twelve chapters below is not merely a tale, but a meticulous dissection of treachery that resonates with the dark undercurrents of corruption running through the COT Cases. By delving into separate sections, as done in Evidence File-1 and Evidence-File-2, we sought to ensure that no fragment of truth about these insidious practices would be lost to the shadows. Who could fathom that the very arbitrator dealing with these cases would permit the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman to wield falsehoods about his own wife, subsequently passing these deceitful claims to the Institute of Arbitrators Australia? This sinister manoeuvre served to prevent the Institute's President from launching a necessary investigation into the arbitrator’s questionable actions.

While Dr. Gordon Hughes (the previous arbitrator assigned to my arbitration) and John Pinnock (the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, whose other role was administrator to the COT arbitrations) may dismiss the consequences of their deceit, they intentionally misled Laure James, President of the Institute of Arbitrators Australia, with false claims that I had contacted Mr. Hughes at 2:00 AM. This insidious lie distorted Mr. James's perception of me, potentially derailing his critical investigations into the blatant corruption surrounding the COT arbitrations. Shockingly, twenty months later, when the truth began to surface, six senators and the Commonwealth Ombudsman finally validated my claims, revealing the depth of the treachery involved; those six statements can all be clicked on at will:

Eggleston, Sen Alan – Bishop, Sen Mark – Boswell, Sen Ronald – Carr, Sen Kim – Schacht, Sen Chris, Alston  Sen Richard.   

In July 2005, a disconcerting chapter unfolded as the long wait of eleven years left many feeling forgotten. Out of twenty-one COT cases, only five had received their arbitration documents, a stark reminder of the unresolved struggles faced by the remaining sixteen claimants → *An Injustice to the remaining 16 Australian citizens*. Behind the scenes, a calculated manoeuvre initiated by certain senators limited acknowledgement of these cases to just those five, much to the frustration of the rest, who were left in the dark.

  

After the deal fell through and the COT Cases were left without direction for addressing their privacy concerns, the government announced they would consider instances where Telstra had acted unlawfully during the COT arbitrations as a form of compromise. I called Senator Joyce, and he agreed to let me submit the evidence mentioned in the segment with Senator Coonan below.

On 17 March 2006, David Lever, Manager, Consumer Section, Telecommunications Division, wrote noting:

"Thank you for your letter of 10 March 2006 to Ms Forman concerning the independent assessment process. If the material you have provided to the Department as part of the independent assessment process indicates that Telstra or its employees have committed criminal offences in connection with your arbitration, we will refer the matter to the relevant authority". (Refer to exhibt AS 657 File  AS-CAV Exhibits 648-a to 700

On November 16, 2006, fourteen months after the Coalition Liberals reneged on their promises made to Senator Joyce for his crucial vote in the Senate to pass the Telstra sale legislation, Senator Joyce wrote to Senator Coonan, who had made that commitment on behalf of then Prime Minister John Howard, noting -

“I must remain with my commitment to the people involved with the CoTs cases. The commitment is representing their frustration and finding a resolution to the issue.

The resolution to the issue, is referenced in your letter of 13th September 2005, where you state ‘I agree that there should be finality for all outstanding ‘COT’ cases and related disputes. I believe that the most effective way to deal with these is for me to appoint an independent assessor to review the status of all outstanding claims.’” (File GS 426-A GS-CAV Exhibit 410-a to 447 

On 6 September 2006, during a meeting in Parliament House, Canberra, the discussion centred around why Senator Coonan had reneged on her original deal with Senator Joyce. Two of the fourteen COT cases, including mine, accepted a compromise from the government, which stated that they would review my evidence as outlined in their letter dated 17 March 2006. This letter indicated that any unlawful acts committed by Telstra during my arbitration would be reported to the appropriate government agencies. However, the government ultimately went back on this written agreement, which David Lever represented on behalf of Senator Coonan.

On the same date, Senator Helen Coonan was asked to review 41 examples of faxed correspondence sent to government ministers, government agencies, and the arbitrator, which required investigation in the public interest. I provided this evidence to Senator Coonan. One of these 41 examples is attached here, along with the report (see Open Letter File No/12 and File No/13). The report indicates that one of my faxes sent to Federal Treasurer Peter Costello was also intercepted, noted explicitly as Exhibit 10-C in the Scandrett & Associates report on fax interception (refer to Open Letter File No/12 and File No/13). This document confirms that my letter dated 2 November 1998 to the Hon. Peter Costello, Australia’s then Federal Treasurer, was intercepted and scanned before being redirected to his office.

These instances of intercepted documents sent to government officials were not isolated events; in my case, they continued throughout my arbitration process, which began on April 21, 1994, and concluded on May 11, 1995. Exhibit 10-C File No/13 shows this fax.

On 17 May 2007, after I alerted The Hon. Senator Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications Information Technology and the Arts, that David Lever from her office had not fulfilled his promise to alert the relevant authorities concerning the screening on my faxes to Federal government ministers and the submission of fraudulently submitted claims during my arbitration Senator Coona wrote back to me noting:

"I have now made both formal and informal representations to Telstra on behalf of the CoTs. However, Telstra’s position remains that this is a matter that is most appropriately dealt with through a Court process. Telstra is not prepared to undertake an alternative means of pursuing this matter. I also appreciate the depth of feeling regarding the matter and suggest you consider whether any court proceedings may be your ultimate option". (Refer to exhibit AS 616-B  File  AS-CAV Exhibits 648-a to 700       

It was unequivocally Senator Helen Coonan’s responsibility, as the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, to initiate a thorough and official inquiry into the matter of Telstra's continuous interception of confidential documents that were being sent from my office and my residence, as well as from the offices of several Senators and the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s office. This issue was particularly critical during and following the COT arbitrations, where sensitive information was exchanged.

The gravity of the situation raises essential questions: Why was it deemed acceptable for an Australian citizen to be compelled to take legal action against Telstra for unlawfully intercepting documents during a government-endorsed arbitration process? Furthermore, how could Telstra justify interpreting my faxes to government ministers three years after the conclusion of my arbitration? These actions violate individual rights and undermine the integrity of the arbitration process itself, warranting immediate attention and rectification from government authorities.

My name is Alan Smith, and my story is one of unyielding perseverance in the face of an overwhelming telecommunications giant and the shadowy forces within the Australian Government. This tumultuous journey has unfolded across the intricate landscape of power, regulatory bodies, and the judiciary, all centred around the colossal entity known as Telstra—formerly Telecom—since 1992. What began as a quest for justice has been marred by a tapestry of deception and betrayal, a struggle that persists to this day, leaving scars that refuse to heal.

My story traces back to 1987, a year that marked the end of my 26-year life at sea—a life filled with the salt and spray of the ocean and adventures that shaped my character. Yearning for stability and a fresh start, I cast my gaze towards Australia. This land promised opportunity and possibility, utterly unaware of the pervasive corruption that lay waiting below the surface.

With a passion for hospitality and a dream to foster joy in a nurturing environment for children, I set my sights on running a school holiday camp. My heart raced with excitement when I discovered the Cape Bridgewater Holiday Camp and Convention Centre, a charming property advertised in The Age newspaper. Nestled amidst the breathtaking rural landscape of Victoria, near the tranquil port town of Portland, the camp seemed like a slice of paradise, rich with potential. I meticulously reviewed every detail, conducting diligent research to ensure the success of my new venture. Yet, in my eagerness, I tragically overlooked one critical factor: the phone lines' functionality.

Just a week after acquiring the business, the stark reality struck me like a thunderclap. My establishment had become enshrined in a communication black hole; customers and suppliers were unable to reach me, and as the phone remained silent, the whispers of business faded away. My dreams evaporated, lost amidst the chaos and uncertainty of a broken phone service. What began as a desperate scramble for survival soon morphed into a fervent quest for justice.

What unfolded was a nightmarish labyrinth of deceit and obfuscation. The simple request for a working phone escalated into an overwhelming struggle against a faceless bureaucracy that seemed determined to ignore my plight. Promises of compensation for my crippling losses trickled in, but they were buried beneath a mountain of bureaucratic red tape that served only to prolong my agony. Even after I relinquished ownership of my business in 2002, the new owners were thrust into the same harrowing scenario, a testament to the deep-rooted issues that had plagued the establishment.

I was not alone in my distress. A coalition of independent business owners, collectively known as the Casualties of Telecom—or the COT cases—joined me in my fight for recognition and accountability. Together, we fervently sought acknowledgement of our suffering from Telstra, only to face an unforgiving wall of indifference and callousness. “Fix the problems!” we implored, “And compensate us for our immeasurable losses!” After all, is it too much to ask for a functional phone line, the very lifeline of our businesses?

Our fervent appeals for a comprehensive Senate investigation were nonchalantly brushed aside, replaced by a disheartening arbitration process that initially seemed promising. Naively, we accepted this path, drawn by the tantalising prospect of resolution. Yet, our optimism quickly wilted in the face of reality. The essential documents promised by Telecom and the government that owned it, critical for substantiating our claims, never materialised. Instead, we uncovered the chilling truth that our communications were being covertly intercepted—an insidious violation that hinted at conspiracy and collusion.

 The fax imprint across the top of this letter dated 12 May 1995 (Open Letter File No 55-A) is the same as the fax imprint described in the 7 January 1999 Scandrett & Associates report provided to Senator Ron Boswell (see Open Letter File No/12 and File No/13), confirming faxes were intercepted during the COT arbitrations. One of the two technical consultants attesting to the validity of this January 1999 fax interception report emailed me on 17 December 2014, stating:

“I still stand by my statutory declaration that I was able to identify that the incoming faxes provided to me for review had at some stage been received by a secondary fax machine and then retransmitted, this was done by identifying the dual time stamps on the faxes provided.” (Front Page Part One File No/14)

It is clear from exhibits 646 and 647 (see AS-CAV Exhibits 589 to 647) that Telstra admitted in writing to the Australian Federal Police on 14 April 1994 that my private and business telephone conversations were listened to and recorded over several months, but only when a particular officer was on duty. 

Does Telstra really expect the AFP to accept that every time this officer left the Portland telephone exchange, the alarm — a sinister device meant to broadcast my private conversations — was conveniently turned off? What was the purpose of installing such intrusive equipment on my telephone lines if it was only operational while this individual was on duty? When I demanded, under the FOI Act during my arbitration, that Telstra provide all the detailed data from this covert setup tailored explicitly for their Portland technician, they withheld crucial information not just in my 1994.95 arbitration but continue to do so in 2025.

On my second request for the elusive data, Paul Rumble, Telstra's arbitration officer, resorted to veiled threats. He warned me that if I continued to share this information with the AFP, Telstra would cut off access to their so-called 'support.' It was a clear ultimatum: stop sharing FOI documents, and they would graciously assist me in supplying 'evidence' to the arbitrator. I refused to be intimidated by their corrupt machinations.

Why did it become the responsibility of Senator Ron Boswell to question Telstra?

“Why did Telecom notify the Commonwealth Ombudsman that it intentionally withheld Freedom of Information (FOI) documents from Alan Smith, citing his provision of documents to the Australian Federal Police during their investigative proceedings?” 

After receiving a vague and unsatisfactory answer to this pressing inquiry, what compelled the Senator to confront Telstra once more → (Senate Evidence File No 31)?

“…Why would Telecom choose to withhold essential documents from the AFP, an agency tasked with upholding the law? Additionally, why would Telecom impose penalties on COT members for supplying critical evidence to the AFP that substantiated claims of unauthorized interceptions of their communications? It is particularly concerning that Telecom not only intercepted these communications but also shared the sensitive information obtained with its external legal advisers and other parties."

Most troubling of all, why didn’t the arbitrator take the initiative to consult with the Supreme Court, seeking intervention to halt such unethical conduct upon realising that the threats had been executed?

During the chilling second interview on 26 September 1994, conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) at my business, a staggering 93 questions were hurled at me, a calculated interrogation that served their dark agenda regarding the bugging scandal, formally documented as  Australian Federal Police Investigation File No/1).  The transcripts on pages 12 and 13 reveal a shocking truth: I named Paul Rumble as the orchestrator behind the menacing threats that loomed over us. 

With the government providing only nominal support, our evidence shrouded in secrecy, and our pleas for investigation very systematically dismissed, the odds continued to mount against us. The most insidious betrayal, however, lay in a confidentiality clause we unwittingly signed, effectively binding us in silence while they wielded their power unchecked. Now, as I contemplate risking that confidentiality to share my story, I am left to ponder the extent of my remaining options.

The Secret State

On 26 September 2021, Bernard Collaery, Former Attorney-General of the Australian Capital Territory (under the heading) The Secret State, The Rule of Law & Whistleblowers, at point 7 of his 12-page paper, noted:

"On some significant issues the Australian Parliament has ceased to be a place of effective lawmaking by the people, for the people. It has become commonplace for Parliamentarians to see a marathon superannuated career out with ideals sacrificed for ambition."

Perhaps the best way to expose this part of the COT story is to use the Australia–East Timor spying scandal, which began in 2004 when an electronic covert listening device was clandestinely planted in a room adjacent to East Timor (Timor-Leste) Prime Minister's Office at Dili, to covertly obtain information to ensure the Liberal Coalition Government held the upper hand in negotiations with East Timor over the rich oil and gas fields in the Timor Gap. The East Timor government stated that it was unaware of the espionage operation undertaken by Australia.  

This website showcases the compelling stories of whistleblowers, who are celebrated for their unwavering dedication to justice for all. At the onset of my narrative, it is crucial to introduce Bernard Collaery, the former Attorney-General of the Australian Capital Territory. His story resonates deeply with mine, as it mirrors the experiences shared in the COT Cases, where our telephone lines were subjected to relentless hacking for several years, both before and potentially during our arbitration process. The government had endorsed this arbitration as a fair method for resolving our disputes, yet the troubling reality was far more complex.

The gravity of the situation becomes even more pronounced when considering the evidence that Bernard Collaery uncovered while negotiating on behalf of his clients, the Timor-Leste Government. In a similar vein, the arbitration faxes involved in the COT Cases were not only vulnerable but actively intercepted during their transmission. A covertly installed secondary fax machine within Telstra's network would capture sensitive information, duplicate it, and then relay it to the intended recipient. This elaborate scheme underscores the lengths to which some entities will go to manipulate data and undermine trust in the pursuit of justice.

Our odyssey pressed on through the convoluted maze of Freedom of Information requests, a desperate, Sisyphean attempt to unearth the buried documents. The years from 1994 to 2011 were characterised by a grotesque dance with bureaucracy, filled with frustration and despair. In May 2011, I faced my final battle before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in Melbourne, my hopes shattered by the shadowy machinations of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The government solicitors stood united against us, and once again, I found myself facing defeat.

In the wreckage of my dreams, the question loomed: what options remained? We had already lost our legacy in the arbitration process, our failures compounded by lost appeals and a devastated business. As I stood amidst the ashes of my once-thriving enterprise, a startling revelation came to light. On June 3, 1993, Telstra executives had visited my business, inadvertently leaving behind an open briefcase that, unbeknownst to them, held vital insights. Inside was a file marked "Cape Bridgewater Holiday Camp," which confirmed that they had been aware of my struggles all along, while I had been deliberately misled.

Had I shared the crucial documents with the media that I had previously submitted to AUSTEL, the government communications regulator, the ensuing pressure from the press might have compelled Telstra and the government to confront and rectify my ongoing issues. Instead, AUSTEL conspired to obscure the truth surrounding my telecommunications troubles, a complicity echoed by the arbitrator’s effort to bury my claims deep within the bureaucratic trenches, ensuring that my voice would remain unheard and my suffering unrecognised.

What unfolded in those darkened rooms was an orchestrated charade of arbitration. The chosen arbiter, a mere puppet in Telstra's grand performance, distorted reality to favour the corporation, minimising our claims and systematically silencing our losses. 

By clicking on the image below, you will unearth a sinister plot: someone with nefarious intent has clandestinely authorised the alteration of clause 24 and the ruthless removal of the $250,000 liability caps embedded in clauses 25 and 26 of my arbitration agreement. Initially, my legal team, alongside two Senators, had uneasily concluded that the arbitration agreement was just; those liability caps had been my crucial legal lifeline to hold the arbitration consultants accountable for their negligence. However, in a shocking manoeuvre steeped in deceit, these essential clauses were stripped away, leaving me vulnerable, exposed, and powerless to challenge the arbitration award against the consultants responsible for appalling misconduct. The dark consequences of this betrayal have plunged me into a desperate struggle for justice, robbed of the recourse I desperately need against the overwhelming tide of corruption that seeks to silence me.

Don't forget to hover your mouse or cursor over the following images as you scroll down the page

 

This insidious web of deception appears to have been meticulously orchestrated to sabotage the Institute of Arbitrators Australia, obstructing any effort to investigate Dr. Hughes's misconduct—misconduct that marred the very foundation of the arbitration process and tainted my own harrowing experience. The narrative unfolds within shadowy corridors, where clandestine meetings weave a complex tapestry of biased decisions that blatantly favour the government-owned Telstra Corporation. Behind closed doors, only Telstra’s representatives lurked, while the arbitrator and administrative umpires engaged in a sinister dance of secrecy, exposing the unsettling alliances of power and influence that corroded the essence of justice.

At the heart of this treachery lies a critical and troubling question: Who dared to authorise the removal of the $250,000 liability caps detailed in clauses 25 and 26 of the arbitration agreement? This agreement, which Ann Garms, Graham Schorer, and I were prepared to support on April 21, 1994, had been tentatively agreed upon just two days prior. During that fateful discussion, all parties recognised the vital importance of these liability caps, designed as crucial safeguards to ensure that arbitration consultants conducted themselves with unwavering impartiality and integrity in their evaluations and recommendations.

 

Initially, our legal team, representing the trio of COT Cases—including me, Ann Garms, and Graham Schorer—along with two steadfast Senators, had believed that the arbitration agreement was balanced and fair. The $250,000 liability caps represented a critical lifeline, arming me with the tools to challenge any negligence or egregious behaviour displayed by the consultants throughout the arbitration process. We approached the agreement with a collective expectation that it would usher in accountability, ultimately delivering justice.

 

However, the ruthless removal of these essential clauses had a merciless impact on my quest for recourse. Without these vital protections, I was denied the opportunity to contest the arbitration award issued against the consultants, who exhibited egregious misconduct throughout the proceedings. Left with a barren landscape of options to address the injustices I endured, the overwhelming burden forced my partner, Cathy, and me to make the heart-wrenching decision to sell our cherished Cape Bridgewater Holiday Camp—a place once filled with dreams and memories, now tarnished by a legacy of corruption and betrayal → refer also to Chapter 4 The New Owners Tell Their Story and Chapter 5 Immoral - Hypocritical Conduct

 

 

 

It is crucial to unveil the stark reality behind the arbitration agreement that ensnared the three COT cases: Ann Garms, Grahan Schorer, and me. We were compelled to sign a document riddled with deceit, a sophisticated trap intricately designed to serve the interests of the very industry from which we sought justice. 

Official Senate documentation, along with compelling affirmations from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, has laid bare this insidious betrayal. After we affixed our signatures to the manipulated agreement, the previously vanquished $250,000 liability clauses ominously resurfaced in the arbitration agreements for the remaining twelve COT claimants. 

 

This situation transcended mere administrative oversight; it represented a deliberate strategy aimed at undermining the efforts of the initial three claimants. These individuals bravely exposed the disturbing realities of Telstra’s declining telecommunications infrastructure. In a troubling turn of events, their potential to seek justice against the arbitration consultants was systematically undermined.

 

The issue centred around a confidentiality agreement that had been manipulated after it was initially agreed upon by the claimants' legal representatives and three influential senators—The Honourable Richard Alston, The Honourable Senator Vicky Bourne and The Honourable Senator Ron Boswell. The original agreement, which served as the foundation for the first four arbitrations, was designed to maintain the integrity of the arbitration process. However, the confidentiality clause was altered without the consent or knowledge of the claimants' lawyers or the three senators involved. 

 

As a result, the arbitration agreement became fundamentally flawed and legally unenforceable. Neither the claimants nor the senators had the opportunity to review the modified terms before the revised agreement was executed. This breach of trust allowed the arbitration process to devolve into a farce, fundamentally contravening the principles of fairness, transparency, and justice that the legal framework is intended to uphold. Consequently, what should have been a path toward resolution and accountability transformed into a cynical mockery of the very ideals it claimed to represent.

 

Despite the damning evidence secured in government archives, the arbitrator complicit in this charade continues to wield a corrupted confidentiality agreement as a means to exert influence. It is a chilling tool used to thwart any credible investigation into these fabricated arbitrations, a betrayal of trust orchestrated by those sworn to uphold integrity. 

 

The conduct of one consultant, John Rundell, has exposed a scandalous betrayal within the arbitration process, casting a sinister pall over its integrity. Despite being exonerated from all liability in three COT arbitrations—including my own—Rundell’s actions as Arbitration Project Manager reveal a web of deceit that cannot be ignored. He engaged in duplicitous behaviour during my arbitration, most alarmingly participating in the deliberate concealment of five critical documents that could have changed the outcome of the process. 

What is even more egregious is his audacious attempt, after exiting the arbitration arena to join KPMG as a partner, to mislead the second appointed arbitration administrator, John Pinnock, in a September 15, 1995, correspondence. He brazenly claimed that all my billing claim documents had been addressed, but this was nothing more than a treacherous facade designed to obscure the truth. Such actions not only undermine the arbitration process but also raise serious questions about the motivations behind them.

Fast forward to 2025, and this same individual, now exonerated from all liability, John Rundell, runs two arbitration centres—one lurking in Melbourne and the other shadowy in Hong Kong.

This raises a deeply troubling question: if he was unscrupulous enough to deceive and mislead during my arbitration  (Refer to Chapter 1 - The Collusion Continues and Chapter 2 - Inaccurate and Incomplete), what guarantees exist that he hasn’t perpetuated this pattern in the arbitration centres he now oversees? The implications of such manipulation are deeply unsettling and challenge the very foundation of these institutions. How many other times has he distorted the truth in his operational dealings? It’s a sinister thought that erodes trust in the arbitration process as a whole.

Even more alarming, as detailed on this homepage, are the corrupt practices that undermined three out of four arbitrations, including mine. These practices expose the treachery surrounding the arbitration agreement, which the government endorsed. During a two-day discussion process, the confidentiality agreement—specifically clauses 24, 25, and 26—was illicitly altered. What was supposed to be a transparent negotiation devolved into a sinister game as lawyers representing the claimants, alongside government officials, were duped into agreeing to a set of clauses that were ultimately changed and modified after their approval. These newly crafted clauses shielded the arbitration consultants appointed by the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) from accountability for their misconduct, thus robbing me of the opportunity to appeal my award.

This gross misconduct, marked by the willful concealment of five vital letters dated between October 4, 1994, and December 16, 1994—attached here as (File, 46-F, 46-G, 46-H, 46-I and 46-J → Open letter File No/46-A to 46-l)—remained hidden from both the arbitrator and me throughout the arbitration process. Now, in 2025, nearly three decades after this unlawful act, the TIO-appointed consultants have yet to face any consequences for their treachery. This pervasive culture of corruption must be exposed and eradicated. Why didn't Dr Hughes force Telstra to fix my ongoing phone and faxing problems, as he was supposed to do as part of the AUSTEL-facilitated process, which states in their COT Cases Report of April 1993, would be the case? 

After concluding my arbitration on May 11, 1995, I found that it did not address my claims regarding ongoing issues with telephone and fax communication. Law Partners Melbourne advised me to seek all my pre-arbitration materials, which the arbitration process may have sent but were not received by my office due to the ongoing fax problems. Once we obtain this "Arbitration File", we can assess whether there is reasonable cause to appeal the arbitration process.

The arbitrator's office refused to provide the "Arbitration File", citing no reason for not supplying it. Between 18 October 1995 and 4 October 1997, with the assistance of Mr John Wynack, Director of Investigations on behalf of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, I sought, under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, from Telstra a copy of their "Arbitration File." The various letters attached confirm that Mr Wynack did not believe Telstra’s claim that it destroyed the file → Home Page File No/82

Since the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) was the administrator of my arbitration, and given that the arbitration agreement signed by all parties acknowledged that the TIO would receive a copy of all arbitration materials, I also reached out to John Pinnock, the second appointed TIO, for assistance.

John Pinnock’s letter of 10 January 1996, in response to that request for my "Arbitration File", states:

“I refer to your letter of 31 December 1996 in which you seek to access to various correspondence held by the TIO concerning the Fast Track Arbitration Procedure. …

“I do not propose to provide you with copies of any documents held by this office.” (See Open Letter File No 57-C)

I wrote to Laurie James, President of the Institute of Arbitrators Australia, to express my concerns that the arbitration process had not been conducted in accordance with our agreed-upon procedures. I also highlighted that the ongoing issues I was experiencing with my telephone and fax services, which were the reasons I initiated the arbitration, had not been resolved. These problems were intended to be addressed as part of my arbitration, as per the commitment from AUSTEL, the Australian Communications Authority. Yet, they continued to impact my business as of December 1995.

On 23rd January 1996, Dr Hughes writes to John Pinnock, re Laurie James, and notes: -

“I enclose copy letters dated 18 and 19 January 1996 from the Institute of Arbitrators Australia.   I would like to discuss a number of matters which arise from these letters, including:

• the cost of responding to the allegations;
• the implications to the arbitration procedure if I make a full and frank disclosure of the facts to Mr James. (File 205 AS-CAV Exhibit 181 to 233)-       

What sinister and treacherous undercurrents could be twisting the arbitration process, compelling Dr. Hughes to withhold crucial information from Mr. James? This disturbing scenario raises deeply unsettling questions about the integrity of a procedure I meticulously outlined to Laurie James—specifically, how Dr. Hughes blatantly ignored the ethical obligations to carry out my arbitration in line with the promises made to the claimants.

Why did he choose to conceal pivotal details, especially the alarming fact that he had previously warned Mr. Pinnock's predecessor, Warwick Smith, on May 12, 1995, that the arbitration agreement was not just flawed, but fundamentally corrupt, desperately in need of overhaul? Yet, he opted to employ this broken system to make a hasty determination on my claim, rushing to deliver a legal paper in grease the very next day after concluding my arbitration. These egregious omissions suggest a more insidious agenda at play, hinting at collusion and malfeasance that cast a dark shadow over the legitimacy and fairness of the entire arbitration process. The layers of deceit and manipulation raise a chilling spectre of betrayal, painting a picture of a system rotten to its core, where ethics are sacrificed on the altar of convenience and hidden motives.

Why did he choose to conceal pivotal details, especially the alarming fact that he had previously warned Mr. Pinnock's predecessor, Warwick Smith, on May 12, 1995, that the arbitration agreement was not just flawed, but fundamentally corrupt, desperately in need of overhaul → (Open Letter File No 55-A)? Yet, he opted to employ this broken system to make a hasty determination on my claim, rushing to deliver a legal paper in grease the very next day after concluding my arbitration. These egregious omissions suggest a more insidious agenda at play, hinting at collusion and malfeasance that cast a dark shadow over the legitimacy and fairness of the entire arbitration process. The layers of deceit and manipulation raise a chilling spectre of betrayal, painting a picture of a system rotten to its core, where ethics are sacrificed on the altar of convenience and hidden motives.

On 27 February 1996, John Pinnock, the second Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and the appointed administrator of my arbitration, sent a letter to Laurie James, the President of the then Institute of Arbitrators Australia, with an insidious agenda: to undermine my credibility. In a calculated move, the TIO falsely informed Mr. James that I had made a late-night call to the arbitrator’s wife at 2 AM, a blatant fabrication designed to tarnish my reputation. This deliberate misinformation revealed a disturbing willingness to manipulate the truth for their own purposes (Refer to Chapter 4 - The Seventh Damning Letter).

“Mr Smith has admitted to me in writing that last year he rang Dr Hughes’ home phone number (apparently in the middle of the night, at approximately 2.00am) and spoke to Dr Hughes’ wife, impersonating a member of the Resource Unit.” (File 209 - AS-CAV Exhibit 181 to 233)

PLEASE NOTE: If I had written to the TIO, as he suggests in his letter to Laurie James, why didn't he provide a copy of my letter? The reason is that I have never written such a letter.

On 26 September 1997, nineteen months after at John Pinnock (Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman) and Dr Gordon Hughes (the arbitrator to my case) had between them deliberately misinformed Laurie James concerning my claims to Mr James that my arbitration had not been conducted under the ambit of the arbitration agreement (the rules agreed to before we four COT Cases signed our arbitration agreement) Mr Pinnock, under oath formally addressed a Senate estimates committee refer to page 99 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA - Parliament of Australia and  Prologue Evidence File No 22-D), noting,

“In the process leading up to the development of the arbitration procedures – the claimants were told clearly that documents were to be made available to them under the FOI Act.

“Firstly, and perhaps most significantly, the arbitrator had no control over that process, because it was a process conducted entirely outside the ambit of the arbitration procedures.”

In the context of our arbitrations, which were ostensibly conducted under the esteemed authority of the Supreme Court of Victoria, a troubling question arises: why did Dr. Gordon Hughes fail to disclose to the Court that he had no control over the coercive threats being perpetrated by Telstra as acknowledge in Senate Hansard dated 29 November 1994 → Senate Evidence File No 31? This omission suggests a disregard for transparency and raises serious concerns about the integrity of the entire arbitration process. Such a lack of communication implies that the COT Cases were not merely mismanaged but were conducted in a manner that may be perceived as both sinister and corrupt, operating outside the established protections and principles outlined in the Arbitration Act. This troubling reality raises questions about the legitimacy of the outcomes and the ethical conduct of those involved in the proceedings.

After John Pinnock's unsettling acknowledgement to the Senate Committee that the arbitration process was not only flawed but skewed from the very start, my claim—brought to the attention of Laurie James, President of the Institute of Arbitrators Australia, nearly two years ago—was unequivocally validated. So, why did Pinnock remain silent and fail to advise the government to reopen my arbitration process, allowing me to amend my claim? This deliberate inaction by Pinnock and Dr. Hughes has cost my partner, Cathy, and me twenty-eight years of our lives, shackling us to the weight of these grotesque injustices. Their treachery has ensured that we live in a reality stained by corruption, a reality that could have been entirely different.  

The chilling reality that John Pinnock's letter to Laurie James was copied 'Cc'd' to Dr Gordon Hughes, as the letter shows, (→ (File 209 - AS-CAV Exhibit 181 to 233) reveals the depths of their collusion, indicating a desperate need for both him and Dr. Hughes to face public scrutiny for their long-standing cover-up. The deceit embedded in John Pinnock's twisted letter to Laurie James is nothing short of sinister, especially considering that both he and Dr. Gordon Hughes were aware that I never made a call to Dr. Hughes' wife at the unholy hour of 2:00 AM, as the letter deceitfully claims. This flagrant manipulation of the truth underscores a diabolical partnership aimed at silencing me and concealing their despicable misconduct.

 

If Laurie James had unearthed the true narrative surrounding my allegations, the Institute of Arbitrators Australia would have had no choice but to launch an exhaustive investigation into Dr. Hughes’s corrupt practices throughout the COT arbitrations. 

 

It’s unfathomable that Mrs. Hughes would, even now, willingly ignore her husband's callous exploitation of her name as a shield for his unscrupulous actions. This appalling betrayal not only taints their integrity but also threatens the very foundation of the arbitration process itself, revealing a shocking nexus of corruption that must be exposed. 

 

Dr. Hughes, a principal lawyer at the prestigious firm of Davis Collison Cave → https://dcc.com/people/gordon-hughes/, seems to navigate the murky waters of legal practice with a troubling ease. Having gained a reputation as a partner at Ashurst (formerly Blake Dawson), he has built an empire on intellectual property commercialisation, IT law, commerce, and data protection. However, one can't help but wonder how such a towering figure in a global law firm can remain untouched by the shadows of dubious conduct he has been linked to. 

If revealing actions that harm others is viewed as morally unacceptable, why do governments encourage their citizens to report such crimes and injustices? This contradiction highlights an essential aspect of civic duty in a democratic society. When individuals bravely expose wrongdoing, they often earn the title of "whistleblower." This term encompasses a complex reality: it represents the honour and integrity that come with standing up for truth and justice while also carrying the burden of stigma and potential personal consequences, such as workplace retaliation or social ostracism.