Contempt Proceedings Launched Against MP Mark Latham Over Tribunal Attack

Contempt proceedings have been initiated against New South Wales Independent MP Mark Latham following his aggressive online criticism of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). The tribunal recently ruled that Latham unlawfully vilified and sexually harassed fellow MP Alex Greenwich through a series of social media posts, ordering Latham to pay $100,000 in damages. Greenwich alleged that Latham’s subsequent posts, which labeled the tribunal as "grossly political and incompetent" and made unsubstantiated claims about its members, scandalized the court and undermined public confidence in the justice system. Latham refused to delete the offending posts, instead publishing further derogatory comments. The Supreme Court holds the authority to jail individuals found guilty of contempt. This development occurs alongside separate defamation proceedings where the Federal Court already ordered Latham to pay $140,000 for similar conduct. Latham has indicated he intends to appeal the NCAT decision, characterizing it as politically motivated. Both parties have declined to provide additional comments on the latest legal escalation.