Media have been excluded from a hearing in the Comcare case involving Godwin Grech, the former public servant at the centre of the so-called utegate affair.

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal hearing was told no confidential details of "the settlement" would be released during the discussions.

That is understood to be a reference to what Fairfax newspapers say is a payout from Comcare to Mr Grech over his ill-health.

In 2009, Mr Grech admitted to forging an email accusing the Rudd government of doing favours for friends.

It led, in part, to the departure of Malcolm Turnbull as opposition leader.

Mr Grech left the public service and spent time in a psychiatric ward.

Details of the reported payout and any other settlement remain secret.

After Mr Grech's lawyer raised concerns media were present at Wednesday's hearing, the tribunal excluded the public from the hearing about whether to release documents about the case.