15/06/2026
****Please take a few minutes to read this. It’s important****
This story has all the hallmarks of a justice system being bent to protect someone powerful.
The ABC is currently fighting in court to overturn suppression orders surrounding a highly unusual alleged extortion case in Queensland.
At the centre of the controversy is a prominent married Queensland public figure whose identity has been hidden by a sweeping suppression order.
Caught up in this separately is a 35-year-old Cairns man arrested last Friday after allegedly publishing information online that identified the high-profile figure, his occupation and details of an alleged affair.
The man is not accused of being involved in the alleged extortion case itself. In fact, he just happened to be in the Cairns Magistrates Court when the matter was first mentioned publicly and later shared information online.
It's understood eight police officers arrived at his home armed with a search warrant. His phone, computer and other electronic devices were seized. He was charged with disobeying a lawful order and spent 12 hours in custody.
As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to suspend his social media accounts and remove any material that could potentially breach the suppression order.
At the heart of the case is an accused man facing an alleged extortion charge linked to domestic violence allegations. It is alleged he sought to intimidate his former partner over her reported involvement with a well-known married public figure.
Because of the blanket suppression order, very little else is publicly known.
The Cairns man arrested told the ABC he will fight the charge and oppose any attempt to keep future proceedings away from public scrutiny.
“It should be heard in open court,” he said.
“This is of public interest and for it to be squirrelled away goes against the principle of open justice.”
My view?
This entire saga raises serious questions about whether powerful people are treated differently from everyone else.
If this involved an ordinary citizen, would they be given this extraordinary amount of assistance by authorities behind the scenes?
What those in charge may have failed to realise is that by aggressively pursuing the man who shared the information mentioned in court, they have created an even bigger story.
What began as one controversy has now become two.
Two fires to put out instead of one.
The seizure of phones, computers and social media accounts has generated even greater public interest and intensified debate about transparency, suppression orders and equal treatment under the law.
Whether you agree with the actions of the Cairns man or not, the broader question remains.
Should justice be administered differently depending on who is involved?
Eventually, the facts will emerge. When they do, many Australians will be watching closely to see whether justice has truly been served and whether everyone is equal before the law.
**** Any comments identifying a person in this case will be deleted****
The point of my posting was to call out preferential treatment not to add to the gossip.
