Category Archives: defences

Setka further set back by the Prime Minister in Court of Appeal: Setka v Abbott & Anor [2013] VSCA 345

  John Setka is the Divisional Branch Assistant Secretary of the Victorian Branch of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). On 10 February 2012, the now Prime Minister (then Leader of the Opposition), attended a conference of the … Continue reading

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Setka Setback against Liberal’s Libel: Setka v Abbott & Anor [2012] VSC 534

On 10 February this year, Tony Abbott, (yes the leader of the Coalition) spoke at a conference of the Masters Building Association. He spoke about the Australian Building and Construction Commission and his words were republished by Sky News. He … Continue reading

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Appeal, appeal and appeal again: Sands v State of South Australia [2011] SASCFC 136

The plaintiff alleged that members of the SA Police Force, in the course of investigating a suspicious death, made statements that were defamatory of him, including statements that the plaintiff was suspected to have murdered the deceased. The deceased was … Continue reading

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The politician’s privilege?: Wookey v Quigley [2011] WASC 227

Since Lange in 1998, politicians have no longer been the cornerstones of the defamation lawyer’s practice. The High Court decided that we have an implied right in our constitution to discuss “government and political matter” and so politicians took their … Continue reading

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