On June 12, 2026, Michael West Media published an article titled “Predatory lending. Indigenous elders blame liquidators over Kimberley tourism debacle” which made serious allegations against Mr Richard Albarran, Partner of Hall Chadwick.
Following publication, information has been provided to Michael West Media indicating that correspondence attributed to the Amaroo Local Aboriginal Land Council and referred to in the Article was not authentic or authorised by the Council.
In light of that information, Michael West Media has removed the Article and wishes to make clear that readers should not treat that correspondence as an authentic statement of the Amaroo Local Aboriginal Land Council. The allegations made in the Article were false and should never have been published.
We unreservedly withdraw all allegations made against Mr Albarran in the Article and sincerely apologise for the harm, hurt and distress caused to Mr Albarran and his family by reason of the publication of these false allegations.
Michael West established Michael West Media in 2016 to focus on journalism of high public interest, particularly the rising power of corporations over democracy. West was formerly a journalist and editor with Fairfax newspapers, a columnist for News Corp and even, once, a stockbroker.