QF tries to stop Lucinda Holdforth from publishing book

[Hvr]

Qantas tries to stop Alan Joyce speechwriter Lucinda Holdforth from publishing book 'Fighting Words'
Qantas wants to permanently block the publication of a new book by the long-time speechwriter for the airline's chief executive, Alan Joyce.


Author Lucinda Holdforth was served with orders at her Sydney home from Qantas lawyers Minter Ellison to appear in the NSW Supreme Court at midday on Wednesday.


Qantas is seeking an order to stop disclosure or publication of the contents of her manuscript, titled "Fighting Words".


Holdforth wrote the speech for Mr Joyce's infamous grounding of the airline's entire fleet in October 2011 to break a standoff with its unionised workforce.

Be interesting to see how this pans out, but my initial view on the story provided is that the information was obtained in confidential circumstances and therefore should not be disclosed.

 

[RooFlyer]

Be interesting to see how this pans out, but my initial view on the story provided is that the information was obtained in confidential circumstances and therefore should not be disclosed.

Sure, but how many books about people's experiences in their employment are already in the bookshops? Might be poor form, but not prima facie able to be prevented, unless there are relevant clauses in the employment contract.

 

[anat0l]

I doubt they can stop it unless it were somewhat possible to show that there was confidentiality involved, and even then.

Certainly the malaise against Alan Joyce will not improve his disposition on the matter.

 

[SpudOz]

I reckon that it will sway on whether there was a confidentiality clause in her contract.

 

[RooFlyer]

ABC radio news (not that reliable source!) reporting that Qantas is arguing that she was exposed to confidential situations and meetings or words to that effect. Well, maybe, but big deal. that's what 'kiss and tell' books are all about!

Looking forward to this book now!

 

[kevrosmith]

ABC radio news (not that reliable source!) reporting that Qantas is arguing that she was exposed to confidential situations and meetings or words to that effect. Well, maybe, but big deal. that's what 'kiss and tell' books are all about!

Looking forward to this book now!

Yes, this just creates more intrigue. Perhaps it will expose Qantas' views of the unions even more which will be hurtful to future negotiations.

 

[RAM]

For the ultimate conspiracy theory:

Was part of her agreement that she would receive free publicity for the launch of her book in lieu of some amounts owed by Q?

Cannot buy such good publicity as this, and both she and Q would know it.

 

[Buzzard]

And if the book is published I doubt it will be long before you see it in the discount bin.

 

[medhead]

I reckon that it will sway on whether there was a confidentiality clause in her contract.

The SMH version says there was such a clause.

This quote from the author suggests there will be no juicy bits in the book. Life and adventures of a speech writer. Sounds more like she'll say, 'as we know Qantas decided to ground the fleet in 2011. They made this decision on the day and gave me 34 minutes to write a speech.'

Holdforth declined to comment about the case on Tuesday night but she has previously told Fairfax Media that "it's a very personal memoir about the craft of speechwriting and my life and experiences as a speechwriter".
"I have worked with lots of interesting people in politics and business so a few familiar names may come up," she said early this month.
"I do think [Qantas] is a fascinating company and some of my speechwriting adventures with Qantas will no doubt be included."

 

[RooFlyer]

I couldn't see that on the SMH on-line but I'm sure its there. Did SMH say that they have seen the contract and confirm the clause (or similar) is there, or are they quoting Qantas sources?

 

[medhead]

I couldn't see that on the SMH on-line but I'm sure its there. Did SMH say that they have seen the contract and confirm the clause (or similar) is there, or are they quoting Qantas sources?

In Business Day section Qantas tries to stop Alan Joyce speechwriter Lucinda Holdforth from publishing book 'Fighting Words'

Quoting Qantas, kinda.

Qantas will argue in court that her book should be suppressed because she will be breaching her confidentiality agreement with the airline if it is published.

When I was a low level functionary with a large mining company and had a confidentiality clause, that makes me expect them to be pretty standard. It was painful as it prevents scientific publication of stuff.

 

[Hvr]

[h=1]Qantas reaches settlement over tell-all book with Alan Joyce's speechwriter Lucinda Holdforth[/h]

Read more: Qantas reaches settlement over tell-all book with Alan Joyce's speechwriter Lucinda Holdforth

A manuscript detailing some of the most tumultuous days in Qantas' recent history including the controversial grounding in 2011 will never see the light of day after the airline reached a confidential settlement with the long-time speechwriter for chief executive Alan Joyce.


Lucinda Holdforth, who had been Mr Joyce's speechwriter since 2008, told Fairfax Media on Monday that it was "not the outcome I was hoping for but Qantas is legally entitled to insist on its contractual rights".
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Looks like the matter has been finalised. All over bar the lawyers crossing the t's and dotting the i's.
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[RooFlyer]

Looks like the matter has been finalised. All over bar the lawyers crossing the t's and dotting the i's.
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... and sending out the invoices.

 

[UP4014]

Looks like the matter has been finalised. All over bar the lawyers crossing the t's and dotting the i's.
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Shame, but QF has plenty of dirty laundry to keep in the basket at the top levels. It isn't all PR spin at the AFF.