Model Defamation Law Working Party
OrganisationReferenced in 2 bills
Defamation (Model Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
This bill modernises Queensland's defamation laws to match nationally agreed reforms. It makes it harder to bring trivial defamation claims by requiring proof of serious harm, gives journalists and academics stronger defences when publishing on matters of public interest, and requires people to attempt to resolve disputes before going to court. It also fixes a heavy vehicle regulation issue before it causes problems for truck operators.
Defamation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
This bill modernises Queensland's defamation laws to address the realities of online publishing. It implements nationally agreed reforms that create clearer rules for when online platforms, search engines, internet service providers, and forum administrators can be held liable for defamatory content posted by their users. It also makes it safer to report matters to police by extending absolute privilege to those reports.