CIVIL LAW (WRONGS) ACT 2002 - SECT 115 Objects—ch 9

CIVIL LAW (WRONGS) ACT 2002 - SECT 115

The objects of this chapter are—

        (a)     to enact provisions to promote uniform laws of defamation in Australia; and

        (b)     to ensure that the law of defamation does not place unreasonable limits on freedom of expression and, in particular, on the publication and discussion of matters of public interest and importance; and

        (c)     to provide effective and fair remedies for persons whose reputations are harmed by the publication of defamatory matter; and

        (d)     to promote speedy and non-litigious methods of resolving disputes about the publication of defamatory matter.

Note     The Human Rights Act 2004

provides for the following human rights that are particularly relevant to this chapter:

              •     privacy and reputation (see s 12)

              •     freedom of expression (see s 16).

Under the Human Rights Act 2004

, s 28 human rights may be subject only to reasonable limits set by territory laws that can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.