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Defamation and your rights

Uniform defamation law now applies in Australia. Anyone who has had damaging material published about them can take legal action against authors, publishers, broadcasters and distributors to defend their reputation. Several defences or justifications, including truth, are available. Damages and injunctions are the remedies. Retractions and apologies will reduce the amount of damages awarded.

Defamation and your rights
Contributor

Holly Jager

Barrister

More information about defamation

Last updated

1 July 2021

More information about defamation law can be found in the following publications:

  • Collins, M 2010, Law of Defamation and the Internet, Oxford University Press.
  • Collins, M 2014, Collins on Defamation, Oxford University Press.
  • Gillooly, M 1998, The Law of Defamation in Australia and New Zealand, Federation Press.
  • Spender, L 2004, Between the Lines: A Legal Guide for Writers and Illustrators, Keesing Press.
  • Tobin, TK and Sexton, MG, Australian Defamation Law and Practice, LexisNexis.
  • Walker, S 2000, Media Law, LBC Books.

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