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 and the need for the ADF to take precautions or countermeasures ([123] and [125] above) arise from the possibility of disclosure of the material by the journalists and any work-related use of the material. Further, the need to notify Australian foreign partners ([123] above) and the potential damage arising from the risks ([126] above) also exists. However, the ADF has taken no steps to ascertain whether or not the documents were accessed by any person other than the named journalists. There is no evidence that they were.

128․ As a result of Mr McBride's publication of materials on the Website, there is the possibility that an unauthorised person accessed the materials. However, the information in the materials published on the Website was such that it gave rise to very little risk of any prejudice to the defence, national security or international relations of Australia.

Subjective circumstances

129․ Some facts relevant to the subjective circumstances of Mr McBride are outlined earlier as part of the Agreed Statement of Facts. Other evidence of his subjective circumstances is contained in the intensive correction order assessment report dated 15 March 2024, two reports by Sam Borenstein, a clinical psychologist, dated 31 January 2024 and 23 February 2024, 15 character references, four performance appraisal reports prepared between August 2012 and September 2014 and his interviews with police.

130․ Mr McBride is 60 years old. His parents were both doctors. His father was famous for alerting the world to the negative impacts of thalidomide and subsequently being deregistered for scientific fraud.

131․ He was sent to boarding school at the age of seven and then boarded at high school until Year 12. He studied law at the University of Sydney. He had a good relationship with his parents. He went to the United Kingdom to complete a Masters degree in law at Oxford University. He joined the British Army in 1988. He was deployed to Northern Ireland in 1994. He served until 1998, leaving with the rank of Captain.

132․ He returned to Australia to work as a solicitor at a big firm. He left the firm and worked in a security-related role with a TV documentary team for about two years, travelling through Afghanistan, the Sahara and South Africa. He then returned to Australia and worked as a political staffer for a federal politician. He stood as a candidate at an election for the New South Wales seat of Coogee in the 2003 state election but was unsuccessful. After that, he practised as a barrister in New South Wales for five years.

133․ He married his wife in 2005. They have two children, born in about 2006 and 2008.