Overview

• James Cullen filed proceedings in the NSW Court of Appeal to avoid appearing before the Privileges Committee probing a leak of privileged minutes tied to the proposed sale of Rosehill Racecourse.
• He argues section 8 of the Parliamentary Evidence Act is unconstitutional because it compromises the Supreme Court’s independence.
• Acting Legislative Council president Rod Roberts says the upper house will vigorously defend its powers and has engaged senior counsel, with the committee retaining Bret Walker SC.
• Under the century‑old act, parliament can order witnesses to attend and seek arrest warrants from the Supreme Court for non‑attendance.
• The clash follows a June standoff in the Dural caravan inquiry where ministerial staff ultimately appeared after legal advice, as Premier Chris Minns criticises repeated summonses and the Public Service Association condemns threats to staff.