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

David McBride walked free from prison yesterday, concluding a sentence of over two years. As he left, he shared news of a lung cancer diagnosis and upcoming surgery, expressing thanks for the parole granted by the attorney-general. He also extended gratitude to his global supporters who sent letters and cards during his incarceration.

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I'm looking forward to seeing my dog. And my daughters. But particularly my dog.

McBride described his time in prison as "hard" but ultimately "a very positive experience on the whole," acknowledging the support from fellow inmates and prison staff. He expressed eagerness to reunite with his dog and daughters, sharing a lighthearted moment about his canine companion.

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No, out of respect for the attorney-general I'm not going to say anything political today.

Despite being a whistleblower, McBride declined to answer questions about whistleblower protection laws out of respect for the attorney-general. He stated, "I'm not going to say anything political today," but assured reporters he would discuss these matters at a later time.

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Though I will at some point talk about those things.

McBride's legal battle began nearly a decade ago when he leaked secret defense material to an ABC journalist, aiming to expose what he believed was the "over-investigation" of special forces soldiers in Afghanistan. The resulting "Afghan Files" series, however, revealed alleged involvement of Australian soldiers in unlawful killings. Supporters, like Greens senator David Shoebridge, argue that the motivations of a whistleblower are secondary to the public's right to know the truth.

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You don't need to be an angel to be a whistleblower.