Health of Palmer deteriorating since alleged bullying

Richard Palmer (right), the 2GB staff member who is suing Ray Hadley, is suffering from an ongoing medical condition that is a result of his alleged bullying and his health has recently deteriorated, a court has heard.

Palmer's barrister has asked that the hearing be brought forward because "my client's medical condition has regressed significantly".

Counsel for Hadley, Sandy Dawson, has told the court they want Palmer examined by their own medical expert.

He also opposed, on behalf of Hadley, an application by Fairfax Media, Channel Seven and Channel Ten for access to the statement of claim and defence in the matter.

He said it was standard practice for such documents not to be released until a matter had concluded because they may contain "untested allegations".

Palmer is being represented by the high-profile Sydney media lawyer John Laxon, and the lawsuit has been filed against Hadley himself rather than 2GB.

It is believed that on 7 February Hadley requested Palmer come to his office to explain why a podcast had not yet been uploaded. Prior to the exchange, Palmer activated the record function on his iPhone, and secretly recorded the conversation as he was concerned about the effect on his employment.

The recording allegedly shows extraordinary abuse of a graphic, personal and aggressive nature from Hadley to Palmer.

After hearing the recording, Macquarie's Managing Director Rob Loewenthal was apparently horrified and subsequently suspended Hadley. This suspension was then over-ruled by Macquarie's majority shareholder John Singleton, who reinstated Hadley to his morning show the following day.

Hadley subsequently fronted a staff meeting and in an emotional address apologised for his behaviour, promising to change his approach.

Richard Palmer has not attended the 2GB offices since 14 February this year.

The matter will return to court next month.

Read more in The Sydney Morning Herald here.