The Queensland Government has introduced new laws to Parliament to help Queenslanders deal with defamatory content posted online.
The Defamation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to modernise Queensland’s defamation laws and strike a better balance between protecting reputations and freedom of expression.
The reforms reflect changes agreed to by Australian states and territories, following a national review into how defamation laws were working.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the amendments will make Queensland safer and ensure the State’s defamation laws are fit for purpose in the digital age.
“We have swiftly acted to introduce these reforms – as it’s been 20 years since the Defamation Act was introduced,” the Attorney-General said.
“It is vital that Queensland’s laws keep pace with the changing ways Australians communicate, particularly the evolving influence of digital and social media.
“Bringing our laws in line with other States and Territories is crucial to prevent forum shopping and provide certainty when publications are made across borders.
The Bill makes it clearer who is responsible when defamatory material is published online – and provides a potential defence for administrators of online forums and social media pages, such as media organisations or neighbourhood and parent groups, where defamatory comments are made on the site by a third party.
The reforms will also ensure people who report to police, including for serious misconduct like sexual harassment or assault, are protected from defamation claims, removing a key barrier that victim survivors had to overcome when coming forward.
Other changes to deliver a fresh start and make Queensland safer include:
- Making it easier for people to resolve defamation disputes by allowing offers to remove or block access to harmful content.
- Giving courts clearer guidance when deciding whether to order digital platforms to reveal the identity of anonymous posters.
- Allowing courts to order digital platforms, even if they’re not part of a defamation legal proceeding, to take down defamatory content.
- Extending legal protections to people who report to police.
“No one should be afraid to speak up about abuse or misconduct because of the threat of defamation proceedings,” said Ms Frecklington.
“These reforms also send a clear message that the law stands with victim survivors who act in good faith to report serious wrongdoing.”
