Media

This bill modernises Queensland's defamation laws as part of a nationally agreed reform. It raises the bar for defamation claims by requiring proof of serious harm, introduces mandatory pre-court notices to encourage early resolution, and creates new defences for public interest reporting and academic peer review. It also fixes a minor heavy vehicle enforcement issue.

This bill makes changes across several areas of Queensland's justice system. It introduces shield laws to protect journalists' confidential sources, creates a pilot program allowing domestic violence victims' police-recorded statements to be used as court evidence, and establishes new rules for handling deceased persons' remains in criminal cases following the Daniel Morcombe inquest.

This bill modernises Queensland's defamation laws for the digital age by implementing nationally agreed reforms. It creates new protections for digital platforms and online service providers regarding defamatory content posted by third parties, gives courts stronger powers to order removal of defamatory material online, and extends absolute privilege to complaints made to police.