Gazette

Former union man Tony Papaconstuntinos loses long-running action against businessman Peter Holmes a Court … High Court majority decision confirms that common law qualified privilege protects defamatory statements made without a “pressing need” ... more

Mixed result … High Court finds radio station 2GB was protected by “reply-to-attack” qualified privilege when it defamed Muslim community spokesman Keysar Trad … Truth and contextual truth go back to the NSW Court of Appeal ... more

First real test of new journalists’ shield laws … Federal Court Justice Steven Rares upholds bid by News Ltd journalist Steve Lewis to protect the source of a story alleging House of Reps Speaker Peter Slipper sexually harassed a male staffer ... more

Lawyers at loggerheads … Victorian Supreme Court dismisses defamation action brought over letter questioning a sworn affidavit … Absolute and qualified privilege – statutory and common law – save the day ... more

The defence of qualified privilege is once again the subject of appeal – this time in a case involving a torrent of “vitriolic” newsletters … Appellant’s barrister argues for a “defamation-free zone” as President Allsop bridles at bulldog clips ... more