Defamation & Media Law

The law of defamation has been evolving in Queensland and throughout Australia in recent years. Defamation can occur by television broadcasts, newspaper publishing, in person or on the internet and social media – essentially in any forum where a person can communicate with others.

Our defamation lawyers on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane have significant experience in bringing claims for defamation and damages.

Our team recently obtained urgent injunctive relief against a major television network restraining them from publishing defamatory material relating to a client. We have the resources and the expertise to assist you on an urgent basis to limit the damage to your reputation and economic loss. We also have proven success in obtaining a significant costs order against a major television network where that broadcaster published defamatory material concerning our client notwithstanding that the network was on notice that our client considered the material to be defamatory. Our team of defamation and media law experts act swiftly to obtain remarkable outcomes for our clients.

It is important to remember that if you have a claim for defamation, there are strict time limitations on bringing an action for damages and in most cases, you will improve your prospects of recovering a claim for damages by seeking advice immediately.

Our solicitors see many disputes between individuals stemming from comments posted on social media, websites, or other digital platforms. In the age of social media, where people are using online platforms for socialising and communicating for business, the law of defamation continues to become increasingly relevant. While defamation is a complex legal matter, cases involving social media apply the same principles that relate to print and speech.

One of the most prominent issues which has been brought to the forefront by the rise of social media is the re-publication of defamatory material, now commonly known as the ‘grapevine’ effect. In defamation cases involving social media, the potential for ongoing damage is exacerbated by the ease with which users of social media can republish the defamatory material to a large audience of viewers in one click, by word of mouth or by inviting others to view the material online by sharing links to it. It is therefore even more important to act quickly to minimise the adverse impact on the reputation of you and/or your business.

In circumstances where you are accused of defamation, you should obtain advice immediately from one of our experienced defamation defence lawyers. Our team will assist you to address any claim of defamation, including identifying any available defences, irrespective of whether the published material is defamatory in nature. Depending on the jurisdiction in which the matter has occurred, the courts will look at a range of defences from justification, contextual truth, public document, honest opinion and triviality.