One Nation treasurer 'embellished' tapes

Pauline Hanson's lawyers have dropped proceedings against the ABC over "secret" recordings of One Nation but former party treasurer Ian Nelson remains gagged.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson

File image of One Nation leader Pauline Hanson Source: AAP

A former One Nation treasurer who has been gagged from releasing taped phone calls says he exaggerated when he claimed to have 4000 recordings of Pauline Hanson and other party officials.

In an affidavit filed in the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday, Ian Nelson says "whilst I have publically (sic) stated that I had over 4000 recordings, this figure was embellished".

He says he gave the ABC two recordings "with the intention of correcting the record as to the matter of the aircraft supplied by Bill McNee" and all other recordings, bar one, have been deleted.

"There was not and never was any intention to harm, injure or embarrass Pauline Hanson," he says in the affidavit.

Senator Hanson last week launched legal action against Mr Nelson and the ABC to prevent further recordings being leaked or aired.

Mr Nelson said he's deleted all of the recordings except for one that is with his solicitor, Michelle Harrington, and he hasn't made any copies.

An expert will be appointed to check when Mr Nelson deleted the recordings and if any still exist on his devices.

Justice Francois Kunc extended "until further order" an injunction stopping Mr Nelson from "broadcasting, publishing, distributing, copying" or using telephone recordings that concern the party or Senator Hanson.

Her lawyer, Dauid Sibtain, discontinued proceedings against the ABC after the broadcaster last week revealed it didn't have any additional recordings.

Senator Hanson was ordered to pay the ABC's legal fees.

The broadcaster's barrister, Sandy Dawson, said it was a "tactical move" and Senator Hanson had pulled the rug out from under them.

"It is plain what is happening here - Ms Hanson does not want the ABC making submissions today," he said.

Mr Dawson said Senator Hanson should also pay for his time preparing over the weekend. He said her team should have told the ABC earlier that proceedings would be withdrawn.

Justice Kunc said Mr Dawson risked "boxing at a shadow".

"It was a lot more than a shadow," Mr Dawson replied.

The case has been adjourned until August 7.


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Source: AAP


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