Hachette Australia to release updated edition of Nick McKenzie’s ‘Crossing The Line’ following court ruling
Following the ruling that saw Ben Roberts-Smith lose his defamation case against Nine, Hachette Australia is publishing an updated edition of ‘Crossing The Line’ by Nick McKenzie.
The announcement:
Hachette Australia will release an updated edition of Crossing the Line by Walkley Award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie following the Federal Court of Appeal’s landmark decision in the Ben Roberts-Smith v Fairfax Media defamation case.
Last week, the Court of Appeal upheld the 2023 Federal Court ruling that found Fairfax Media had proven the substantial truth of serious allegations against Ben Roberts-Smith, including eyewitness accounts from fellow Australian soldiers. Justice Anthony Besanko’s original judgment marked a defining moment for Australian journalism, press freedom, and accountability within the military.
McKenzie, a central figure in the years-long investigation and legal battle, faced sustained legal pressure and personal attacks as Roberts-Smith’s legal team attempted to discredit his reporting.The Federal Court’s decision not only affirms the integrity of Nick McKenzie’s investigative journalism but also honours the bravery of the soldiers who testified and the journalists who brought their stories to light.
First published in 2023 to coincide with the original ruling, Crossing the Line offers a gripping and deeply personal account of the case that reshaped Australia’s understanding of its military conduct in Afghanistan. The updated edition, to be released in all formats next month, will include exclusive new material on the appeal, the continuing fallout, and the emotional and professional toll of the case — as well as McKenzie’s ongoing commitment to honouring those who risked everything to tell the truth.
As one of Australia’s leading investigative journalists, McKenzie meticulously uncovered evidence, built trust with whistleblowers, and travelled to Afghanistan in pursuit of the truth. His reporting helped spark a national reckoning over alleged war crimes and institutional failure at the highest levels.
Source: Hachette Australia
Keep up to date with the latest in media and marketing
