A false post can be read by thousands of people before you even know it exists, and the damage often outlasts the post itself. This guide explains the legal threshold, the evidence you need and the steps that come first when you are looking for defamation legal advice near me.
A false Google review can hurt a business badly, but defamation is not always the right claim. Who you are, and whether the poster had a commercial motive, often decides whether defamation, misleading and deceptive conduct, or injurious falsehood fits the facts.
![Defamation Law and Malice: Lessons from Harvey v Henderson [2025]](/static/uploads/20260901_cg_image_defamationlawyer_au___Blog_Defamation_Law_2809c556.webp)
The recent Supreme Court decision in Harvey v Henderson [2025] sheds light on how malice can defeat a defamation defence in professional settings. If you have been targeted by false allegations in a boardroom or online, understanding these legal principles is a necessary step toward clearing your name.
Western Australia hasn't adopted the 2021 defamation reforms, but that doesn't mean you can skip the concerns notice process by suing there. The "no advantage" rule in the Defamation Act means the substantive law of the state where publication occurred will follow you into a WA courtroom.
Most Australian corporations cannot sue for defamation, even when the damage to their reputation is real. The excluded corporation rule allows only certain small businesses and not-for-profits to claim. Here is how to tell if your company qualifies, and what to do if it does not.
A sincere apology is often the most effective tool in resolving a defamation dispute. By following the Victorian Ombudsman’s framework, parties can address reputational harm and avoid the stress of prolonged legal proceedings.
Think your private work chats are shielded from legal scrutiny? In Australia, defamatory comments in WhatsApp, Slack, or Teams can lead to serious legal consequences. Learn how to protect your reputation and what steps to take if you have been targeted in a digital message.
Secretly recording a business meeting might seem like the best way to prove false allegations, but it carries heavy legal risks. Learn how Australian surveillance and defamation laws impact your ability to use these recordings in court.
A single social media post can lead to a six-figure court judgement. Learn how the Latham v Greenwich appeal clarifies the serious harm threshold and what it means for your defamation claim.
If you have been defamed in Australia, you generally have 12 months to take legal action. Learn how to stop the clock and preserve your rights before it is too late.
A false online review can devastate a small business overnight. Learn the legal requirements for proving serious harm and the practical steps you can take to protect your reputation.
Not every Australian business has the legal right to sue for defamation. Understanding the excluded corporation rule is the first step in determining if your company can seek compensation for reputational damage.