Jailed whistleblower David McBride is set to be released from a Canberra prison, after being granted parole by Attorney-General Michelle Rowland.
In thanking the attorney-general for his release, McBride also revealed he was being treated for early-stage lung cancer and would need to undergo surgery.
The former military lawyer has served more than two years in jail, after being convicted in 2024 for stealing top-secret defence material and sharing it with journalists.
His aim was to expose what he believed was the "over-investigation" of soldiers in Afghanistan.
But his decision backfired, with the ABC's The Afghan Files story instead revealing allegations that Australian soldiers were involved in illegal killings.
McBride became eligible for parole today.
He will serve a further three years of his sentence in the community under supervision and conditions.
A spokesperson for the attorney-general said McBride's "parole was considered and granted".
"The government does not provide specific commentary or details about individual parole matters," the spokesperson said.
In a statement sent by The Information Rights Project, McBride thanked his family as well as the attorney-general for his release.
"Firstly, I would like to thank my incredible family: Sarah, James and Georgie McBride who never gave up on me, and whose fighting spirit, love and humour inspired me every day,"
he said.
"Second, I'd like to thank all my amazing supporters...
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