Four Corners to access court papers for Gina Rinehart story

Four Corners has been granted access to court papers in the battle between the Hancock Family Memorial Foundation Ltd and Lang Hancock’s late solicitor, Carnegie Fieldhouse.

The West Australian reports Justice Rene Le Miere has granted an ABC researcher access after Four Corners requested permission to inspect and copy the documents for a program being put together about Gina Rinehart, and the Hancock Group of companies.

The documents form part of a civil suit which centres on the sale of Lang Hancock’s “life governor’s share” in Hancock Prospecting to the Foundation at an allegedly inflated price 20 years ago.

But Lloyd’s insurance syndicates are fighting the action, which alleges Fieldhouse breached a duty of care when advising on the sale of the share for $20 million in 1991, prior to his death in 2007.