Release: Big win for freedom of speech

Release: Big win for freedom of speech

SYDNEY - The Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance is happy to announce the recent changes to defamation law which stop petty lawsuits from social media posts and comments from overwhelming the legal system. The ATA last year made a submission to the Review of Model Defamation Cases and has since seen many of its recommendations accepted. 

“Not every mean thing someone says on the internet should turn into a lawsuit,” said ATA Director of Policy, Emilie Dye. “Unless you have actually faced a financial loss, you shouldn’t be allowed to waste the court’s time for a Facebook comment.”

“More than ever, our words are recorded online. But people have not changed. We still insult and speak untruths. Now because those words are available for all posterity, anyone with an enemy risks a lawsuit.”

“These changes will protect against frivolous lawsuits and will allow people to maintain their freedom of speech. They also cap damages, taking away the incentive to get rich by suing for poorly articulated social media posts.”

“Social media differs from other platforms such as radio, television, or print. Unlike traditional media, it isn’t an authority and doesn’t claim to be. Comments made on social media shouldn’t lead leave Tweeter or Facebook user standing in front of a jury, unless they caused serious financial harm to another person or business.”