Australia’s Trusted Defamation Lawyers
Accused or Defamed? Protect Your Reputation Today.
Whether you’ve been defamed or accused of it, the right move now protects your reputation, your business and your peace of mind. Stonegate Legal gives you fast, confidential advice and a clear plan of action, starting with a free 30 minute consultation.
- Free 30 minute consultation. Confidential, no-obligation advice on your case.
- Urgent injunctions and takedowns. We move fast to stop defamatory content spreading.
- Talk directly to a defamation lawyer. Not a call centre, not a paralegal screening call.
How can we assist?
Defamation Law Queensland
Expert Defamation Lawyers Protecting Your Reputation
Defamation is a serious matter that can significantly impact your reputation and business. As expert defamation lawyers in Queensland with extensive experience navigating the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld), we understand the importance of swift action. Our team will work closely with you to understand your situation, give you a clear picture of your legal options, and keep you fully informed at every stage, working tirelessly to protect your rights and reputation.
Queensland Litigation Lawyers
Watch the Video to Understand How Defamation is Explained.
Learn the basics of defamation, including what qualifies as a defamatory statement. This video breaks it down with simple examples for better understanding.
- A false statement that damages your reputation. It's not about hurt feelings, it's about real harm to your name, reputation or livelihood.
- It can happen anywhere. Online, in print, or face-to-face, from a fake Google review to a comment made in your workplace or community.
- It spreads instantly and publicly. In today's digital world, a single false statement can do serious damage before you've even seen it.
Time is critical
Strict deadlines apply - acting fast protects your options
Defamation is governed by hard time limits under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld). Miss one and your rights can be lost.
*No obligation consult
12 Months
To file a defamation claim
From the date of publication — even if the content is still online. Extensions are rare.
28 Days
To respond to a Concerns Notice
If you’ve been accused. Miss it and your legal options narrow — and costs rise.
14 Days
To answer a particulars request
A formal step in the process. Late replies weaken your position.
Which best describes you?
Defamation Lawyers for Claims and Defence. Choose Your Path.
I HAVE BEEN DEFAMED
If someone has published false and harmful statements about you, whether online, in the media, or in person, you may have a strong claim. From fake Google reviews and Facebook posts to smear campaigns and false claims made to clients or employers, we act fast to stop the spread, protect your reputation and pursue fair compensation.
- Assess whether the content is legally defamatory
- Draft and serve a compliant Concerns Notice
- Negotiate a public apology, content removal or compensation
- Apply for urgent injunctions to prevent further harm
- File court proceedings and claim damages for reputational loss
*30-min free, no obligation consult
I'VE BEEN ACCUSED
If you’ve received a Concerns Notice or been threatened with a defamation claim, acting fast gives you more options and control. Defamation law in Australia is complex, and not all statements that cause offence are legally defamatory. We help people and businesses respond properly, protect their freedom of speech, and minimise legal and financial risk.
- Review the claim and assess whether it actually stands up
- Advise on defences including truth, honest opinion and public interest
- Prepare a formal response or Offer to Make Amends
- Handle social media claims, including deleted or anonymous content
- Defend the matter in court if required
*You usually have 28 days to respond to a Concerns Notice.
Book Your Free Consult
Get a clear answer on your defamation matter today.
Free, confidential 30 minute consultation. No obligation.
Queensland Client Reviews
Trusted by Queensland Businesses and Individuals
Client satisfaction is our top priority. We’re proud to have helped hundreds of clients across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane reach the outcome they were looking for.
*No obligation consult
Fixed-fee Concerns Notices
Clarity from the start, no hidden costs
For a set fee, our defamation lawyers review your case, prepare a tailored Concerns Notice under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld), and handle delivery to the offending party — a clear, professional starting point without hourly-rate surprises.
What you get
Case review, a tailored Concerns Notice, and its delivery — a professional first step toward fast resolution.
No hidden costs
One set fee for expert support and peace of mind. Book a free consult to see if your matter qualifies.
The Process
A transparent path, handled with precision
Defamation matters move quickly, and so do we. From your first conversation with us you’ll know exactly where you stand, what your options are, and what happens next. No jargon, no surprises, just a clear plan and steady hands at every stage.
STEP 01
A confidential 30 minute consultation where we assess your situation, whether you’re bringing a claim or defending one, and give you an honest view of your position and options.
We map out the strongest path forward, explain the likely costs and timeframes, and confirm the urgent deadlines that apply to your matter so nothing is left to chance.
We draft and serve a legally compliant Concerns Notice on your behalf, or if you’ve received one, prepare a strategic response or Offer to Make Amends within the required timeframe.
Most defamation matters resolve here. We negotiate apologies, retractions, content removal or compensation, always working towards the best outcome in the shortest time.
If the matter can’t be resolved, we file or defend proceedings and run your case with precision, managing every deadline, document and appearance through to judgment.
Questions and answers
Clear Answers About Complex Questions
A few of the questions we’re asked most often by Queensland businesses and individuals considering legal action.
Still Got Questions?
A few of the questions we’re asked most often by Queensland businesses and individuals considering legal action.
*No obligation consult
What do defamation lawyers do?
Defamation lawyers assess whether a statement meets the legal threshold for defamation, advise you on your rights and options, and handle the process from start to finish. This includes drafting Concerns Notices, negotiating settlements, applying for urgent injunctions, and representing you in court if the matter can’t be resolved.
Will I need to go to court for a defamation case?
Not necessarily. Most defamation matters are resolved through a Concerns Notice and negotiation, without ever reaching a courtroom. Court action is usually a last resort, used when the other party won’t cooperate or the matter is too serious to settle informally.
Can I sue someone for a bad Google review?
Potentially, yes. If a review contains false statements that harm your reputation or business, rather than genuine, honest opinion, it may be defamatory. We can assess the review and advise whether it meets the legal threshold before you take any action.
What happens after I send a Concerns Notice?
The other party has 28 days to respond. They may issue an apology, remove the content, or make an Offer to Make Amends. If they don’t respond adequately, or ignore the notice altogether, this opens the door to formal court proceedings.
Does defamation apply to social media and messaging apps?
Yes. Defamatory statements made on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or even in group chats and private messages can all be actionable, provided they’re published to a third party and cause reputational harm. Digital platforms don’t provide protection from defamation law.
A few of the questions we’re asked most often by Queensland businesses and individuals considering legal action.
*No obligation consult
Book Your Free Consult
Get a clear answer on your defamation matter today.
Free, confidential 30 minute consultation. No obligation.