Former federal MP Andrew Laming has received an apology from Nine News in Federal Court over allegations aired in a TV story last year.
Two weeks ago, Nine amended its defence to a defamation case Dr Laming launched over the report, which claimed he had taken an inappropriate photo of a female worker.
Dr Laming strenuously denied the allegations.
In a statement to ABC Brisbane two weeks ago, Nine said that until recently it was "unaware of information about the characterisation of the photo, which contradicted certain information we relied upon in the report".
"Since becoming aware of this new information we have determined to amend our defence to reflect it," Nine said.
'Highly commendable'
On Wednesday, Nine apologised to the former Bowman MP in court in Sydney.
Dr Laming issued a statement saying the company had "finally acknowledged that allegations they broadcast last year were not true".
"A citizen is entitled to come before the courts and have their complaint heard in a fair and impartial forum with all the evidence presented," the statement said.
"I was denied that due process and a fair hearing in the media, but it has come today.
"Two weeks ago, Nine dropped all of its defences to my claim.
"Today it acknowledged seeing material convincing it to unreservedly withdraw the serious allegations it made and to publicly apologise to me and my family.
"It is highly commendable that they, like many senior political and media figures previously, have agreed to right wrongs and apologise when presented with the facts."
'Proud of our free press'
Dr Laming thanked his wife Olesja, his daughters Sophie and Isobel, the Redland community and "50 friends and colleagues who swore affidavits in these proceedings".
He also thanked his barristers for their efforts and said he had full faith in Australia's defamation laws.
"Australians can remain proud of our free press that requires the media to report matters of public interest in a fair and balanced way, and when mistakes are made, as they were in my case, correct the record and apologise," Dr Laming said.
Dr Laming has previously received apologies from high-profile media and political commentators, including Lisa Wilkinson and Kristina Keneally over comments made following Nine's TV report.
The ABC has previously also settled a defamation case involving investigative reporter Louise Milligan and Mr Laming, which also followed the TV report.
On Wednesday morning a judge closed the case.
The judge told the court he had received a notice of discontinuation of the procedures, signed by both parties.
There was no mention of costs.
Nine's lawyer was asked for a final comment but declined.
Nine's apology said "serious allegations were made about Dr Laming" in its TV report.
"9News has now seen material which indicates that the photograph Dr Laming took was not lewd in nature," it said.
"9News unreservedly withdraws those allegations about Dr Laming and apologises to him and his family for the hurt and harm caused by the report."
