With a series of high-profile cases sparking debate about freedom of speech vs the right to protect one’s reputation, Australia’s dated model defamation laws have come under intense scrutiny. Online publication and social media may have changed the landscape, but the stakes remain high for both plaintiffs and defendants.

New South Wales has taken the lead and was the first Australian jurisdiction to enact new model provisions earlier this month. With the other states and territories expected to follow suit, the objective is a modern and nationally consistent law of defamation.

On 31 August 2020, the NSW Attorney General, the Hon Mark Speakman SC MP, discussed the reforms at the Law Society’s Thought Leadership event: Defamation reform – in pursuit of balance. Mr Speakman was joined by leading defamation law experts: Sophie Dawson, Partner at Bird & Bird, and Jim Micallef, Special Counsel at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

Speakers

The Honourable Mark Speakman SC MP | Read bio Attorney General of NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

Richard Harvey | Read bio President The Law Society of NSW

Sophie Dawson | Read bio Partner Bird & Bird

Jim Micallef | Read bio Special Counsel Corrs Chambers Westgarth