David McBride had a lot to say as he left jail, but not about whistleblowing

David McBride, a former intelligence officer, emerged from prison after serving over two years, but his main focus was not on whistleblowing. Instead, he revealed he had a lung cancer diagnosis with surgery scheduled. McBride expressed appreciation for the attorney-general who granted him parole and gratitude towards his global supporters.

He also acknowledged his fellow prisoners and prison staff for making his stay more positive. When asked about his thoughts on whistleblowing and protection laws, McBride stated he would not comment on political matters out of respect for the attorney-general, though he planned to discuss these topics later. His case began when he provided secret defense material to an ABC journalist, aiming to expose alleged unlawful killings of special forces soldiers in Afghanistan.

However, the resulting series, "The Afghan Files," revealed instead the involvement of Australian soldiers in unlawful killings. McBride pleaded guilty to three charges, including theft, and was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison with a non-parole period of two years and three months. This made him the first person imprisoned over Australia's alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

Supporters, including Greens senator David Shoebridge and independent MP Andrew Wilkie, argue that McBride's intent and public interest in exposing the truth should not matter when considering whistleblower protections.