> A retired superior court judge is investigating Federal Circuit Court Judge Alexander “Sandy” Street following a complaint about his conduct that was originally flagged by a multi-agency police taskforce in 2017.
The investigation was commissioned in April 2026 by Chief Justice William Alstergren after he received a letter from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) detailing a complaint about conduct dating back to 2016.
The AFP did not notify Attorney-General George Brandis, Chief Justice Alstergren, or his predecessor when the concerns were first raised by the taskforce. The investigation is ongoing and no findings have been made against Judge Street.
Timeline and Origin of the Complaint
The events in question stem from a 2016 business transaction involving Judge Street’s ex-wife, Sally London, and her freight company, Send It Pink. According to police records, the company sought to facilitate the sale of Penfolds Grange wine to officers aboard the Chinese naval surveillance ship Yuan Wang.
- The multi-agency Polaris Taskforce, which focuses on waterfront crime, began investigating Send It Pink in 2016 after a police informant alerted authorities to a plan to sell wine to senior Chinese military officers.
- An email from London described the transaction, which involved a commission for Send It Pink and a cash payment from the ship's captain.
- During the investigation, police said they found material suggesting Judge Street allegedly advised London on personal and business matters in a way that could conflict with his judicial obligations.
- The Polaris Taskforce compiled its findings into a classified report and sent it to AFP command in early 2017. No charges were brought against London or her business partner, Spencer Fletcher, for any matters related to the investigation.
- In a separate matter, court documents indicate Fletcher offered to help falsify records to avoid a tax debt. Fletcher denied knowledge of illegal behavior but acknowledged the wine sale and discussions about importing cigarettes.
Judicial Appointment and Business Formation
Judge Street was appointed to the Federal Circuit Court in 2015. Send It Pink was founded two months later by London, from whom Street had separated two years prior. Australia’s judicial code of conduct requires judges to avoid conflicts of interest and behavior that diminishes public confidence in the judiciary.
Statements from Involved Parties
Chief Justice Alstergren, through a spokesperson, confirmed he appointed a retired superior court judge to investigate the matter and receive recommendations. The court stated it cannot comment further while the investigation is ongoing.
Judge Street said he wished to respond but was restricted by court rules.
Sally London denied any wrongdoing and said Judge Street always acted with integrity and never gave her legal advice.
Spencer Fletcher denied knowledge of illegal behavior but acknowledged the wine sale and discussions about importing cigarettes.
A former Polaris detective stated he was prepared to give evidence to a formal inquiry and called the allegations “very serious.” He said the full facts were contained in the investigation referral made to the AFP.