Former Seven Network producer Taylor Auerbach has begun giving evidence about bombshell allegations he made about the network’s engagement with former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann.

The former producer of Seven’s Spotlight program is appearing before the Federal Court today as the key witness in additional evidence in Network Ten’s defence of a defamation claim brought by Mr Lehrmann.

Mr Lehrmann is suing Ten and Lisa Wilkinson over an interview with Brittany Higgins on Ten’s The Project, after his criminal trial for her alleged rape was abandoned with no findings against him.

Justice Michael Lee was due to hand down his judgement today but the case was re-opened after Ten won its bid to allow Mr Auerbach to give evidence.

In affidavits tendered in court, Mr Auerbach claimed the broadcaster paid for “illicit drugs and prostitutes” as part of its efforts to secure an exclusive sit-down interview with Bruce Lehrmann.

Network Ten will attempt to argue that the evidence raises questions about Mr Lehrmann’s credibility.

The court heard Mr Auerbach will testify that Mr Lehrmann provided the material, though he has denied doing so.

If Ten’s arguments are accepted, Justice Lee may also have to decide whether Mr Lehrmann’s conduct was an abuse of process.

Earlier, Seven Network was questioned about why it had only produced one page of communications between network employees and Mr Lehrmann relating to his appearance on the Spotlight program last year.

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