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.

Contributor

Holly Jager

Barrister

Defamation and your rights: Contacts

Australian Communications and Media Authority
Melbourne office:
Level 32, Melbourne Central Tower, 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000
Tel: 9963 6800; 1300 850 115
Email: info@acma.gov.au
Web: www.acma.gov.au

Australian Press Council
Level 6, 53 Berry Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
Tel: (02) 9261 1930; 1800 025 712
Web: www.presscouncil.org.au

Centre for Media and Communications Law
Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, 185 Pelham Street, Carlton Vic 3010
Tel: 8344 9970; 8344 8957
Email: law-cmcl@unimelb.edu.au
Web: https://law.unimelb.edu.au/centres/cmcl

Liberty Victoria
Tel: 9670 6422
Email: info@libertyvictoria.org.au
Web: https://libertyvictoria.org.au

Liberty Victoria works to defend and extend human rights and freedoms in Victoria.

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