Secret Legal Guide on Case Suppression Exposed in Victoria, Sparking Transparency Concerns

Confidential Legal Guide Comes to Light

A previously undisclosed legal guide, offering strategic advice to barristers on how to secure suppression orders and collaborate with police to shield criminal cases from public scrutiny, has been exposed in Victoria, Australia. The revelation, which occurred around December 13, 2025, has intensified concerns regarding judicial transparency and the integrity of the justice system.

The 'how-to guide' reportedly provides lawyers with tactics for obtaining suppression orders, including recommendations to seek psychiatric reports for clients during the court process. It also suggests that such orders are more effective and have a higher likelihood of being granted if action is taken before any media reporting has commenced.

Context of the Exposure and Rising Concerns

The guide's exposure coincided with the lifting of a suppression order in a significant case, which ultimately unmasked Tom Sulani as a high-profile Melbourne man convicted of rape. This event has brought to the forefront a growing trend in Victoria: a notable increase in applications for suppression orders, particularly those citing an accused person's mental health as grounds.

Experts and legal observers point to changes in the wording of the Open Courts Act 2013, specifically the shift from requiring 'physical safety' to simply 'safety' as a potential factor contributing to this rise. Data indicates that more than 360 suppression orders were issued in Victoria between January and September of the current year.

Debate Over Open Justice and Digital Challenges

The efficacy of suppression orders in the modern digital age has become a central point of contention. Critics argue that these orders 'just do not work in 2025' due to the pervasive nature of social media, which can lead to 'rumor and innuendo' despite legal restrictions. This situation raises significant concerns for the community and the administration of justice.

While suppression orders are designed to serve crucial functions, such as safeguarding privacy, ensuring fair trials, and protecting vulnerable individuals, their increasing use and the perceived ease with which they can be obtained are prompting calls for greater scrutiny. There is a growing demand for legal teams to face more rigorous examination when bringing applications for suppression orders.

The Role of Suppression Orders in Victoria

In Victoria, suppression orders are governed primarily by the Open Courts Act 2013. These legal directives restrict the publication or disclosure of information related to court proceedings. The reasons for granting such orders can include:

• Preventing prejudice to the administration of justice
• Protecting the safety of a person
• Avoiding undue distress or embarrassment to witnesses or complainants, particularly in sexual offence or family violence matters
• Protecting national or international security

Despite their intended purpose, suppression orders have faced criticism for potentially curtailing open justice and free speech, and in some instances, for being used to obscure information or being rendered ineffective by online platforms.