Defamation Lawyers
Our legal professionals specialise in defamation law and the protection of your reputation from defamatory and damaging publications, either online or otherwise.
Don’t Let Defamation Ruin Your Business or your life!
Defamation Law
Expert Defamation Lawyers
Defamation is a serious matter that can have a significant impact on a person’s reputation and business. At Stonegate Legal, we are well-versed in the complexities of defamation law and understand the importance of taking swift action to protect your interests. If you suspect that you have been the victim of defamatory comments or actions, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible from our professional libel and slander lawyers.
As expert defamation lawyers in Queensland, we have extensive experience in navigating the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld) and can provide you with the guidance you need to pursue a defamation claim. We will work closely with you to understand the details of your situation and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options. Our team will ensure that you are fully informed at every stage of the process, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and reputation.
Have You Been Defamed?
False accusations can ruin reputations. We help you set the record straight.
If someone has published false and harmful statements about you — whether online, in the media, or in person — you may have a strong claim for defamation. At Stonegate Legal, we act quickly to stop the spread, protect your reputation, and pursue fair compensation.
We regularly act for individuals, professionals, and small business owners across Queensland who have been targeted by:
- Defamatory Google reviews
- Facebook posts and community group threads
- Instagram or TikTok content falsely accusing misconduct
- Online harassment or smear campaigns
- False claims made to clients, employers, or the public
As a defamed party, we can help you:
- Assess whether the content is defamatory under Queensland law
- Draft and serve a legally compliant Concerns Notice
- Negotiate a public apology, removal, or compensation
- Apply for urgent injunctions to prevent further harm
- File court proceedings and claim damages for serious reputational loss
Time is critical. You have 12 months from the date of publication to bring a claim — don’t delay.
Been Accused of Defamation?
Don’t panic — we’ll protect your rights and defend your side of the story.
If you’ve received a Concerns Notice or been threatened with a defamation claim, it’s important to act fast and seek legal advice. At Stonegate Legal, we represent people and businesses who are accused of making defamatory statements — online or offline.
Defamation law in Australia is complex, and not all statements that cause offence are legally defamatory. We can help you understand your rights, protect your freedom of speech, and respond appropriately to minimise legal and financial risk.
As the respondent or defendant, we can help you:
- Review the claim and assess whether the statement is actually defamatory
- Advise on available defences such as truth, honest opinion, or public interest
- Prepare a response or Offer to Make Amends
- Defend the matter in court if required
- Respond to social media-related claims, including those involving deleted or anonymous content
You usually have 28 days to respond to a Concerns Notice — and just 14 days if further information is requested.
Acting quickly gives you more options and control.
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Time Limits in Defamation Claims – Why Acting Fast Is Critical
12-Month Time Limit to File a Defamation Claim
If you've been defamed — whether online, in print, or through spoken words — you generally have just 12 months from the date of publication to file a defamation lawsuit in court. This time limit applies to most cases under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld) and is enforced strictly by the courts.
Even if the defamatory material is still online, the clock starts ticking from the date it was first published.
In some rare cases, this time limit can be extended — but only if the court believes it’s fair and reasonable to do so. Don’t rely on an extension. It’s always best to get legal advice as early as possible.
28 Days to Respond to a Concerns Notice
If you’ve received a Concerns Notice, it’s important to treat it with urgency and care. It sets out the alleged defamatory content, the harm caused, and gives you an opportunity to resolve the matter before court proceedings begin.
Under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld), you typically have 28 days to respond. Failing to reply within this timeframe can significantly limit your legal options and increase the chances of the matter escalating to court. Ignoring a Concerns Notice — or delaying your response — can also lead to increased costs.
Responding properly may involve providing an Offer to Make Amends, requesting further particulars, or defending the claim outright.
Responding to a Further Particulars Request – 14-Day Time Limit
If you’ve issued a Concerns Notice and the recipient requests further particulars — meaning more detail about the defamatory content or the harm claimed — you are generally required to provide this information within 14 days.
This request is a formal part of the defamation process under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld) and is often used by the other party to clarify or assess the claim before deciding how to respond. Failing to reply within this timeframe may delay resolution or weaken your position. At Stonegate Legal, we assist clients in preparing timely and compliant responses to ensure the process continues smoothly and your rights remain protected.
Fixed-Fee Pricing for Concerns Notices – Clarity from the Start
At Stonegate Legal, we believe that legal costs should never be a mystery. That’s why we offer transparent, fixed-fee pricing for one of the most important steps in a defamation claim — drafting and sending a legally compliant Concerns Notice.
What You Get
For a set fee, our experienced defamation lawyers will review the facts of your case, prepare a tailored Concerns Notice under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld), and handle its delivery to the offending party. This gives you a clear, professional starting point to resolve the issue quickly, without worrying about hidden fees or hourly rates.
No Hidden Costs
Whether you're dealing with an online review, a social media post, or defamatory comments in the media, our fixed-fee service ensures you get expert support and peace of mind right from the beginning. Book a free initial consultation today to find out if your matter qualifies for our fixed-fee Concerns Notice package.
Social Media & Online Defamation Lawyers – Protecting Your Digital Reputation
In today’s digital world, online defamation is one of the fastest-growing areas of legal risk. Whether it’s a false Google review, a defamatory Facebook post, or a misleading YouTube video, damaging content online spreads quickly — and can seriously harm your reputation or business.
At Stonegate Legal, we specialise in social media defamation cases across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter (X), Google Reviews, Reddit, and blogs. We understand how viral content works, how to act fast to limit the harm, and how to enforce your legal rights under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld).
The ‘Grapevine Effect’ – Why Online Defamation Is So Damaging
Online defamation spreads rapidly. A single post can be shared, liked, or reposted hundreds of times within minutes — reaching thousands and multiplying the harm. Courts call this the grapevine effect, and it’s why social media defamation is often more damaging than traditional forms like newspapers or verbal defamation (slander).
We’ve seen real cases where:
- A single false accusation on Facebook resulted in over $200,000 in damages
- An Instagram post calling someone a scammer led to loss of business and threats
- A Google review based on fiction cost a local business thousands in revenue
Social media moves fast — and so do we. Our team has helped clients:
- Remove false reviews from Google and Yelp
- Obtain urgent injunctions to stop defamatory posts
- Recover significant compensation from online defamation cases
- Respond effectively when falsely accused of defamation
Common Types of Online Defamation We Handle
Online defamation can take many forms — and at Stonegate Legal, we’ve seen it all. From fake Google reviews to viral TikToks, defamatory content spreads fast and causes real-world harm.
Below is an expanded list of the most common types of digital defamation we handle, along with real-world style examples to help you identify what qualifies.
Fake or Malicious Google Reviews
False reviews left by people who were never customers — or who are intentionally trying to hurt your business.
Defamatory Facebook Posts and Comments
Community pages, personal profiles, or business review sections on Facebook can all become platforms for false accusations.
Instagram Posts, Stories, and Reels with Defamatory Claims
Instagram defamation often includes misleading captions, story “call-outs,” or edited screenshots targeting individuals or businesses.
Defamatory YouTube or TikTok Videos
Videos can cause significant damage, especially when monetised or shared widely.
Harassment, Cyberbullying & Online Abuse Disguised as ‘Opinion’
False and damaging statements made under the guise of “free speech” or “just my opinion” — including DMs, captions, or aggressive threads.
Understanding Social Media Defamation: What Counts?
To bring a successful defamation claim, the content must be:
- False – it contains an untrue statement of fact
- Published – seen by at least one person other than you
- Identifying – directly or indirectly refers to you
- Damaging – causes harm to your reputation, income, or wellbeing
We help you assess your claim, gather evidence, and take swift legal action — often starting with a formal Concerns Notice, and escalating to court action or injunctions where needed.
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The Defamation Process
At Stonegate Legal, we provide a transparent and structured approach to defamation law services, tailored to meet your unique legal needs. Whether you’ve been defamed or accused of defamation, our process ensures your matter is handled with precision from start to finish. Here’s how we guide you through every step:
We start by meeting with you to understand your situation. Whether you've been defamed or accused of defamation, we’ll explain how defamation law works in Queensland and give you honest advice on your legal options. This is where we start building the best strategy to protect your rights.
We begin with a confidential consultation to review your matter, assess whether defamation has occurred, and outline your legal rights under Queensland law. Whether you're defending your reputation or responding to a claim, we’ll help you understand the best strategy going forward.
Before taking any formal action, we review the facts of your case to confirm whether it meets the legal definition of defamation. We look at whether the statement was published, if it identifies you, and if it could harm your reputation. This helps us make sure your case has a strong foundation.
If you're the defamed party, we’ll prepare a formal Concerns Notice in line with the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld). This document identifies the defamatory material, explains the harm caused, and requests a remedy such as an apology, takedown, or compensation. It's often the first and most important step toward resolution.
Not every defamation case needs to go to court. We’ll talk you through all possible outcomes — from seeking a public apology to removing harmful content. Our goal is to resolve the matter quickly, cost-effectively, and in a way that protects your reputation.
Once the notice is issued, we engage with the other party to seek a prompt and fair outcome. This may involve negotiating a written apology, public retraction, or financial settlement — aiming to resolve the matter efficiently without going to court.
We help you collect all the necessary evidence to support your claim or defence. This might include screenshots, social media posts, emails, witness statements, or anything else that proves what was said and how it caused harm.
If negotiation fails, we act swiftly to initiate legal proceedings. Our team prepares all necessary documents, complies with court timelines, and advocates for you at every stage of the litigation — in either the District or Supreme Court depending on your case.
In urgent cases, we can apply for a court-ordered injunction to stop further publication of defamatory material. This is often critical where ongoing harm is likely — especially in online or viral content situations.
If the matter proceeds to trial, both parties will present their evidence and arguments before a judge and/or jury. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff (the person making the claim) to prove that the statement was defamatory ns caused harm to their reputation.
If the plaintiff is successful in proving their case, the court may award damages (financial compensation) to compensate for the harm caused by the defamatory statement. The court may also order a retraction or apology and/or an injunction to prevent further publication of the defamatory statement.
We seek full compensation for the harm you've suffered. This may include general damages for reputational loss, special damages for financial impact, and aggravated damages where the defamation was particularly severe or malicious.
After a successful result, we ensure court orders are enforced. Whether it’s recovering damages, ensuring an apology is published, or enforcing an injunction, we stay with you until every legal requirement is met.
What Our Clients Have To Say
At our Stonegate Legal, client satisfaction is our top priority. We are proud to have served hundreds of clients who have had positive experiences working with us.
defamation law firm qld
Defences to defamation
This defence requires the defendant to prove that the defamatory statement is true.
This defence applies when the defendant can prove that the imputations made by the statement were substantially true.
This defence applies when defamation occurs in certain types of proceedings, such as court proceedings or parliamentary proceedings.
This defence applies when the defendant can prove that the defamatory material was contained in a public document.
This defence applies when the defendant can prove that the defamatory material was a fair and accurate report of a public meeting or court proceeding.
This defence applies when the defendant can prove that the defamatory publication was made in response to an individual’s request for information or to protect their interests.
This defence applies when the defendant can prove that the defamatory material was made in good faith and based on an honest opinion.
This defence applies when the defendant can prove that they did not know the defamatory statement.
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Our Team
Meet Our Defamation Lawyers
Legal Practice Director / Principal Solicitor
Wayne Davis
Wayne Davis is the principal solicitor, legal practice director of the firm, and leads the litigation team. Wayne has an LLB, and GDLP and is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia. Wayne is a debt recovery, defamation, litigation, and insolvency professional.
Wayne is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes, whether through strategic negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, or courtroom advocacy. Wayne understand that every case is unique and takes a proactive approach to ensure your rights and interests are protected at every stage of the process.
Education & Certifications
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Solicitor
Shania Bryan
Shania is a solicitor at Stonegate Legal, based in Queensland. After nearly two years with the firm, Shania recently transitioned into her solicitor role following her admission to the Supreme Court of Queensland in December 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP). Shania practices predominantly in defamation law and handles a majority of the defamation matters here at Stonegate Legal.
Her focus is advising and representing clients in disputes involving reputational harm, online publications, and media content. Shania works closely with individuals and businesses to navigate the intricacies of defamation claims and achieve effective resolutions.
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Paralegal
Maddison Payne
Maddi is an emerging legal professional currently undertaking a Bachelor of Laws with Honours at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she is committed to excelling both academically and professionally.
At the outset of her career, Maddi applies a methodical and research-oriented approach to all aspects of legal support, ensuring thorough case preparation and a deep understanding of legal procedures. Her dedication to both her studies and her work is reflected in her meticulous attention to detail and her drive for delivering high-quality results.
Maddi is committed to providing valuable and effective support to our senior legal team, leveraging her academic foundation and professional skills to assist on complex cases with accuracy and integrity. With a keen interest and focus for matters concerning defamation, corporate litigation, professional negligence, corporate disputes, and commercial litigation, she is driven to developing a comprehensive understanding of law that underpins her work as a paralegal and future prospects of becoming a lawyer.
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Defamation Frequently Asked Questions
Defamation is a false statement made about someone or their business that causes harm to their reputation. It can be spoken (slander) or written (libel).
The amount of damages awarded in a defamation case depends on the nature and extent of the harm caused by the defamatory statement. The court may award both compensatory and punitive damages, depending on the circumstances.
A defamation lawyer can provide advice on the merits of a claim, assist in the preparation and filing of court documents, and represent you in court. They can also advise you on strategies to prevent or reduce the harm caused by a defamatory statement. A defamation lawyer can help you determine whether to pursue legal action, and if so, how best to proceed.
It depends. Often, the matter can be resolved without going to court. However, if the matter cannot be resolved amicably, then it may need to proceed to court for a resolution.
The time limit for filing a defamation claim varies by jurisdiction. Generally, you must file the claim within 12 months of the statement being made. If you do not file within this time period, you may be prevented from pursuing legal action.
Defamation lawyers can provide advice on the merits of a claim and strategies to help prevent or reduce the harm caused by a defamatory statement. They can also assist in the preparation and filing of court documents and represent you in court. Furthermore, they may also be able to negotiate a settlement without going to trial.
Defamation is a broad legal term that encompasses any false statement made about an individual, group, or business that damages their reputation. It aims to strike a balance between protecting reputations and ensuring freedom of speech. Defamation can occur in two forms: (verbal) slander and (written) libel, which differ primarily in how the defamatory statement is communicated.
Yes — if the review is false, defamatory, and damaging to your reputation or business, you may have legal grounds to sue. We regularly act for businesses that have been targeted by fake or malicious reviews — especially those left by competitors, ex-employees, or anonymous users.
If the review accuses you of criminal behaviour, unethical conduct, or dishonesty (without proof), it may be considered defamatory. Even reviews that don’t name you directly can be defamatory if readers can clearly identify you or your business.
Once you serve a Concerns Notice under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld), the person or organisation you’re accusing has 28 days to respond. They may:
Issue an apology
Remove or retract the defamatory content
Offer a settlement or compensation
Deny the claim or request further particulars
If they do nothing, or their response is unsatisfactory, you may proceed with legal action. In many cases, a well-drafted Concerns Notice is enough to resolve the matter without court proceedings.
At Stonegate Legal, we draft Concerns Notices that are legally compliant, persuasive, and aimed at achieving fast results.
Sometimes, yes — especially when reputational damage is limited or the apology is prompt, sincere, and public. An apology may be offered voluntarily or as part of a formal Offer to Make Amends under defamation law.
However, if you've suffered serious personal, professional, or financial harm, an apology alone may not be sufficient. You may be entitled to:
Damages for reputational loss and emotional distress
Removal of the defamatory content
An agreement to stop further publication
Every case is different — and we’ll help you decide whether an apology is enough or whether further legal action is justified.
The most common legal defences to defamation in Queensland include:
Truth / Justification – the statement was substantially true
Honest opinion – the statement was clearly an opinion, not presented as fact
Qualified privilege – the publisher had a legal or moral duty to make the statement
Public interest defence – the matter was of public concern and published responsibly
Triviality – the statement was unlikely to cause serious harm
At Stonegate Legal, we carefully assess all potential defences if you're facing a defamation claim and use them strategically to protect your rights.
If your defamation claim is successful, you may be entitled to:
General damages for reputational harm and emotional distress
Special damages for lost income, business opportunities, or contracts
Aggravated damages if the conduct was especially malicious or reckless
Injunctive relief to stop further publication
We work to maximise your outcome while balancing the speed, cost, and stress of litigation.
Absolutely. Australian defamation law applies to content posted on:
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter/X
Google and review platforms
WhatsApp, Messenger, Discord, and group chats
Even private messages can be defamatory if they’re forwarded or shared with others.
Learn More About Defamation
Sending a Concerns Notice – Complete Guide
Serious Harm Threshold in Defamation
Defamation Claim and Mixed Martial Arts – Case Note
Defending a Defamation Claim in Queensland
Defamation in Queensland
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
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