defamation litigation

Defamation litigation video

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Defamation Litigation threatens Freedom of Speech

The growth in defamation litigation is a worrying trend that is threatening freedom of speech in Australia. This legal action is a ‘useful tool’ for those in well paid positions of power, who seek to silence their critics.

Unfortunately, when CEO’s, senior bureaucrats or politicians take civil action, there is rarely a level playing field.

The United States has a constitutionally entrenched freedom of speech. However, Australia only has an implied freedom of speech. Australian governments have failed to limit the capacity of powerful interests to silence critics. This has seen defamation law emerge as a significant threat to freedom of speech.

Suing for defamation in Australia

The wealthy and powerful often use defamation law. Indeed the civil law is something that only those who have money or influence have easy access to. Look no further than mining billionaire Clive Palmer for a powerful man prepared to litigate in order to silence his critics. Indeed he has listed one of his favourite pastimes as taking defamation litigation.

Most recently, Clive Palmer commenced a defamation lawsuit action against the YouTube personality Jordan Shanks a.k.a. Friendly Jordies. Palmer’s lawyer demanded $500,000 in damages, legal costs, and also demanded that Shanks “make no further publication of and concerning” Palmer. Shanks hilarious response revealed liberating behaviour only possible from a defendant with ‘nothing to lose’. 

Clive Palmer and Friendlyjordies
Clive Palmer and Friendlyjordies

Defamation Laws Qld

There has been an increase in local government litigation against residents over recent years. This trend has significant freedom of speech implications for our democracy. 

Civil Action to Silence Toogoods

Cassowary Coast Regional Council in Far North Queensland has commenced a number of legal proceedings against Steve and Julie-Anne Toogood of Mission Beach. However, the only actions the Toogood’s have initiated against Cassowary Coast Regional Council have been for breaches of the Privacy Act.

Defamation litigation and other civil actions are an abuse of power, because of the limited access to justice most citizens face. Unfortunately Legal Aid is generally not available. This is the reason people are self-represented and miscarriages of justice occur. 

Organisations such as the LGAQ and Cassowary Coast Regional Council have an almost unlimited bank account and aren’t afraid to sue. Indeed, it has been argued the whole purpose of such litigation is to gain a judgement greater than their assets, causing bankruptcy. This will almost certainly ruin their life.

Totalitarian regimes often use fear as a means to control people. However, this is becoming a reality here. Civil litigation has become a way to discourage people from actively engaging in debate. Consequently, many  people are becoming too afraid to speak up, for fear of legal sanction.

defamation litigation toogood
Defamation Litigation: Toogood Case

Living With Defamation Litigation

Unfortunately, I am in a unique situation to write on issues concerning defamation. As an elected councillor and MP I copped heaps of insults and criticism …. critics called me everything from dog, rat, scum and coward to four letter words I will not repeat here.

However, I never commenced litigation against my critics. Ultimately taking a position in public office will subject you to a significant amount of criticism. Accordingly this just goes with the job. Indeed as the old saying goes, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Defamation Act

Unfortunately, my values are not held by many others. Thus, in December 2017, litigation was commenced against me. I was not sued by a small regional council, but by the LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam. He lodged a defamation claim against me in the District Court claiming several hundred thousand dollars. This claim would have to be decided under old law that did not include the public interest factors included under reforms to the Defamation Act.

The claim relates back to my time in the state parliament when I repeatedly raised issues concerning local government corruption. Hence, the LGAQ will now teach me a lesson. As a result, anyone else thinking of raising corruption concerns will think twice before speaking up.

Rob Pyne subject to defamation litigation by Greg Hallam (CEO of LGAQ)

Surviving Defamation Litigation

The stress of my journey has led me to create a series of videos to help others facing defamation litigation. Producing these videos is an act of solidarity with other activists. I am confident anyone who is subject to a defamation claim will find them useful.

Defamation Litigation Video

Defamation law Australia

When governments or corporations engage in civil litigation against their critics, the dice is well and truly loaded their way. This will remain the case as long as we live in an adversarial justice system. Consequently, the party with most resources and the most expensive hired gun, is likely to beat a struggling self-represented defendant.

There must be a rebalancing in relation to defamation law. Further, there should be a reluctance to engage in legal attacks upon people for simply stating valid opinions. Indeed, even if opinions are not valid or ratonal, but truly held, who are those in power to say people must not speak up for fear of legal reprisals? We must have law reform now, if we are to properly protect freedom of speech.

Rob Pyne (Former MP and Councillor on Cairns Regional Council)

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Rob Pyne


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2 responses to “Defamation litigation video”

  1. […] trend that is threatening freedom of speech. In my view, it is often an abuse of power, such as when politicians and CEO’s use defamation law to silence people both from within their organisations and outside. When we allow their right to sue to dominate over […]

  2. […] defamation law reform. Consequently, without reform, defamation actions will remain the domain of privileged and powerful white males. As a result, it will remain a sport for them to distress and ultimately ruin the more vulnerable […]