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Defamation & Protection of Reputation

We understand that your personal reputation or the reputation of your business is valuable and worth defending against false or misleading statements made by customers or other businesses.

In the digital age that we live in, there is vast potential for the continual dissemination and sharing of defamatory publications in what is now commonly known as the ‘grapevine effect’. We understand how important your, or your business’ digital presence is, and are prepared to assist you to ensure that defamatory material is removed, and the publisher restrained from republishing, before substantial damage can be done to your reputation or the reputation of your business.

In the event that your reputation or business has suffered serious harm due to a defamatory publication, our team is ready to assist you to recover compensation for the reputational harm inflicted by that publication.

Taking legal action over defamation is serious and subject to strict time limitations, our team recommends that you seek their legal advice before commencing defamation proceedings, or upon receiving a Concerns Notice.

Book a consultation with one of our expert Litigation & Dispute Resolution Solicitors today.

Meet the team

Sean Powell

Managing Partner

Thomas Adamson

Senior Associate

Why choose Robbins Watson Solicitors?

Discover what makes us different.

Experience you can count on

With over 60 years in business, we position our clients and their businesses with the best advice to enable them to prosper.

We’re committed to you

We recognise your needs, assess specific priorities and objectives and develop strategies to meet them.

Enduring relationships

We generously invest time and expertise to understand our clients and build beneficial long-term relationships.

Efficient teams

We embrace technology to ensure our clients outcomes are delivered quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

What our clients have to say

As first home buyers Emma from Robbins Watson made the experience stress free. With her professional service and excellent knowledge of industry. Couldn't recommend her more. Thank you!

Kimberley G

Very pleased with this firm and the outcome we received. Highly recommend Robbins Watson for any Family Law matters.

Cate B

Sean and his team have always been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Couldn’t recommend Robbins Watson Solicitors more!

B.M.

I recently had the opportunity to work with Alexandra Coyle, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the outset, she demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a deep understanding of the legal issues involved which was very reassuring. I felt well-informed throughout the process, and she worked tirelessly to ensure a successful outcome for me. I’m glad I reached out to this firm. Thank you for making a challenging situation so manageable. I highly recommend Alexandra for anyone seeking reliable and empathetic legal assistance.

Justyna B

I was so pleased with Bell’s work. I found her easy to get along with, explain things clearly and make the whole process calm. I would recommend her to anyone going through an estate dispute.

Taylah C

Marcus, thank you again for your support throughout the settlement process, we very much appreciate your professionalism, advice and communication from start to finish! We would be happy to recommend Robbins Watson to our family and friends.

Angela

Good morning – just wanted to send a quick email off and let you know how impressed (my wife and myself) have been with Emma – We have bought a couple of properties up there over the last year or two – we’re from Wagga Wagga, NSW and are relocating up there at the end of this year. Emma has been absolutely fantastic to deal with and we couldn’t be happier!!! It makes things really easy when you have someone on the ball like she is – so yeah, just a quick ‘Well done’ – thanks so much, we really appreciate it and keep up the good work!

Jarrod

Thank you again for your services, I cannot fault you and your team. You are always such a pleasure to deal with and make what would normally be a stressful time, quite the opposite.

Emma (& Helen)

Please extend my warmest thanks to All that have assisted me. You all have made the process of dealing with Wills, selling property, and soon with my own Will and things. Robbins Watson have exceeded my expectations in ability, personal interactions, pleasant meetings; in short, you are my Solicitors of choice, and I say so to any and all.

George

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+61 7 5576 9999

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is defamation under Queensland law?

Defamation occurs when someone publishes material that identifies a person and harms their reputation. Since the 2021 reforms to Queensland’s defamation laws, a plaintiff must also prove the publication has caused, or is likely to cause, serious harm to their reputation.

Is social media subject to defamation law?

Yes, statements made on social media are considered publications; individuals can be liable for defamatory posts and for comments they allow to remain on their pages.

What defences are available to a defamation claim?

Defences include truth, honest opinion, privilege and innocent dissemination; if a defence applies, liability may be avoided.

How long do I have to start a defamation action?

Proceedings must generally be commenced within one year of publication, though courts may extend the period to up to three years in limited circumstances.

Can an apology or correction prevent legal action?

Before starting court proceedings, an aggrieved person must first serve a concerns notice, and the publisher may respond with an offer to make amends. A prompt apology and correction may reduce damages or encourage settlement, but does not automatically prevent a claim.