Expertise
Members of Chambers have considerable experience in the complex and highly technical law of defamation and associated media law practice areas. Services range from the provision of pre-publication advice, to litigation, including experience in applications concerning urgent injunctive relief, suppression orders, the operation of the Shield Laws, the implied Constitutional freedom of speech, trials (including before a jury) and appeals. Broader areas of experience include the vexed area of privacy law, contempt, privilege and intellectual property protection.
Our barristers have advised television, newspaper and radio media owners in relation to broader media and defamation matters in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. Recent work examples include:
- The long-running matter Wagner & Ors v Nine Network Australia & Ors concerning the broadcast of a 60 Minutes episode about the Grantham floods;
- Dyer v Chrysanthou (No 2) (Injunction) [2021] FCA 641, an application to restrain a barrister from continuing to act in defamation proceedings for a government minister;
- Acting for the Australian Rugby Union in proceedings for defamation brought by a former coach;
- Acting for a Football Federation Australia administrator in defamation proceedings commenced by an A-League Club Owner;
- Acting for a multiple Olympic champion in defamation proceedings;
- Acting in multiple recent proceedings involving the State Government and its ministers.
Two of our barristers are listed as a leading Defamation & Media barrister by the Australian Financial Review’s Best Lawyers®. A growing area of expertise is advising and acting on defamation claims regarding social media and digital technology concerning individuals and corporate entities.