Former Queensland minister Bruce Flegg was today awarded $775,000 in damages for defamation against his former media adviser, Graeme Hallett. The claim related to public statements made by Hallett shortly after his employment, claiming that Dr Flegg was not a fit and proper person to be a minister because of a failure to record alleged lobbyist dealings with his son Jonathon Flegg. The judge rejected Hallett’s defence based on freedom of political communication, finding that the publications were not reasonable and that they were made maliciously.
Michael May successfully appeared (with Nick Ferrett) for Dr Flegg, instructed by Cooper Grace Ward.
Please click here for a copy of the judgment.
Please click here for related press coverage of the case.
