Defamation Law in Australia

Defamation law is now substantially uniform in Australia. The Defamation Act 2005, which came into effect in most jurisdictions on 1 January 2006, modifies the common law in a number of respects but does not replace it. The text sets out the general principles applying to this area of law, identifies the provisions of the new Act, and explains their relevance. It also comments upon basic concepts, such as reputation and freedom of speech. The Defamation Act is included as an Appendix, together with a Comparative Table of Defamation Statutes contrasting the previous legislation with the new Act.