Defamation
Defamation Claims, Concerns Notices & Online Reputation Law
Whether a false statement has been published on social media, in a Google review, in the media, or by a competitor — defamation law provides remedies including removal, correction, apology, and compensation. Submit your request and get connected with a defamation lawyer who can assess the serious harm threshold and your options under the Defamation Act.
⚠ Defamation claims must generally be brought within 1 year of publication. Acting quickly also allows damaging content to be removed sooner — submit your request now.
What You Can Submit
Defamation matters handled at all stages.
From sending a concerns notice and negotiating removal to court proceedings and defending against a defamation claim — submit your matter and a defamation lawyer will follow up.
Online & Social Media Defamation
False and damaging statements published on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), Google Reviews, Reddit, and other online platforms — including removal and compensation claims.
Business Defamation
False statements that damage a business's reputation — including malicious reviews, competitor attacks, and publications that cause financial loss to a company or its principals.
Defamation Demand Letters (Concerns Notices)
Sending or responding to a concerns notice — the required first step before commencing defamation proceedings in most Australian states and territories.
Defamation Defence
Defending against a defamation claim — including truth, honest opinion, qualified privilege, public interest, and innocent dissemination defences.
Serious Harm Assessment
Assessing whether a publication meets the serious harm threshold required under the updated Australian defamation laws — a necessary element of any defamation claim.
Content Removal & Takedowns
Obtaining removal of defamatory content through platform complaints, demand letters, court injunctions, and search engine de-indexing requests.
Media & Publication Defamation
Claims against newspapers, television, radio, online news, and other media outlets for defamatory publications — including negotiated corrections and retractions.
Workplace Defamation
False and damaging statements made in the workplace — including malicious performance reviews, false allegations to colleagues or employers, and defamatory references.
Defamation Settlements & Negotiations
Negotiating out-of-court settlements including retractions, apologies, removal of content, and monetary compensation without the cost and risk of full litigation.
When to Act
Defamation claims have a strict 1-year limitation period.
Unlike most areas of law, the defamation limitation period begins from the date of first publication — not when you became aware of it. Acting quickly also limits ongoing reputational harm.
A false statement about you is circulating on social media or a review platform
Under the Defamation Act (as amended by the Model Defamation Provisions 2021), a publication must cause serious harm to your reputation before a claim can proceed. A defamation lawyer can assess whether the statement meets this threshold, send a concerns notice to the publisher, and pursue removal through platform complaints, court injunction, or Google de-indexing.
You have received a concerns notice and have 28 days to respond
A concerns notice is the mandatory first step before defamation proceedings can be commenced. Once received, you typically have 28 days to respond with an offer to make amends — including a correction, apology, or payment. Getting legal advice immediately is critical: the response you give (or fail to give) directly affects your exposure in any subsequent proceedings.
False reviews or competitor statements are causing measurable financial harm to your business
Companies with fewer than 10 employees can sue for defamation in Australia. False Google reviews, competitor attacks, and malicious social media campaigns can constitute defamation — particularly where the statements are demonstrably false and the harm to revenue or client relationships is traceable. Early intervention limits ongoing damage.
A media outlet has published a false report and the 1-year limitation period is running
The limitation period for defamation under state Defamation Acts is 1 year from the date of first publication — not when you became aware of it. Media publishers carry legal resources and will move quickly. Early legal advice ensures you understand your position before making any public response, accepting a correction offer, or letting the limitation period expire.
False allegations have been made about your professional conduct or character
False statements about criminal conduct, professional incompetence, or serious personal misconduct carry strong imputations that courts treat seriously. Defamation by innuendo — where the meaning is implied rather than stated — is equally actionable. Acting before the statements become embedded in search results or professional circles is essential to protecting your reputation.
You are defending a defamation claim and need to assess available defences
Defamation defences under the Defamation Act include justification (truth), honest opinion, qualified privilege, public interest, and innocent dissemination. Each requires specific facts and evidence. A robust defence, filed early and prepared correctly, can resolve the claim without trial — but delay in engaging legal representation weakens every available defence.
How It Works
One request. The right defamation lawyer.
Describe the statement, where it was published, and how it has affected you. A defamation lawyer will assess the serious harm threshold, identify your options, and explain the next steps.
Submit Your RequestDescribe the publication
Submit the form with your contact details, state, a description of the defamatory statement, where it was published, and when you first became aware of it.
Matter is assessed
Your matter is reviewed to assess whether the serious harm threshold is met, what defences the publisher may rely on, and which approach — concerns notice, negotiation, or litigation — is most appropriate.
Follow-up is arranged
A defamation lawyer contacts you to discuss the matter. Urgent situations — active spread of damaging content, concerns notices received — are treated as highest priority.
Information That Helps
What to include in your request.
The clearer your summary, the easier it is to assess whether the serious harm threshold is met and identify the right defamation lawyer.
The exact or approximate content of the defamatory statement.
Where it was published — platform, website URL, publication name, or other medium.
When it was first published and when you became aware of it.
Who published it — individual, business, media outlet, or anonymous — and whether you know their identity.
The harm caused — financial loss, professional damage, personal distress, or other consequences.
Whether a concerns notice has already been sent or received, and any response.
Urgent defamation situations
If any of the following apply, include it clearly so your request can be flagged as urgent.
Submitting this form does not create a lawyer-client relationship and does not replace formal legal advice.
Coverage
Defamation requests accepted from all states and territories.