Two years after the Steve Barrett blackmail trial, journalist Natalie O’Brien from the Daily Telegraph has given updates.

Journalist Steve Barrett faced accusations of attempting to extort money from the Plutus Payroll tax fraud syndicate but, the trial was discharged due to the jury’s inability to reach a verdict.

O’Brien discussed the challenges she faced with suppression orders limiting her ability to write about Barrett.

She also delved into Barrett’s cooperation with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and revealed that he was originally informed that he was not considered a co-conspirator, a move which was reversed a year later.

“We’ve been able to say that what’s going on behind the scenes is absolutely extraordinary. And we need to know why”, O’Brien explained.

“He never lost his nose for news” she continued.

Charges have been dropped against Steve Barrett five years after he faced accusations of extortion. 

Hear more highlights from The Ray Hadley Morning Show: