The Finocchiaro CLP Government has passed long-overdue reforms to the Northern Territory's defamation laws, ensuring better protections for victims, streamlining legal processes, and strengthening protections for freedom of expression and public debate.
Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the Defamation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 brings the Territory into line with national model laws that Labor failed to implement despite them being on the table since 2020.
"This is another practical step to deliver on our promise to restore confidence in the justice system and put victims first," said Ms Boothby.
"Labor sat on these reforms for years. We've now acted to protect victims, free up the courts, and support freedom of speech."
Key Reforms:
Introduces a 'serious harm' threshold so only cases involving real reputational damage go to court. For example: online name-calling between neighbours may be upsetting, but it won't clog the courts unless it causes serious harm.
Requires early resolution efforts before a claim can proceed. For example: if someone posts that a local plumber is "dodgy," the plumber must first issue a "concerns notice" asking for the post to be taken down, avoiding unnecessary court cases.
Protects victims who report crimes to police (including by email or online) from defamation suits, provided the report is made in good faith.
Strengthens the public interest defence for journalists and media organisations where matters of public importance are published, protecting freedom of expression and public debate.
"This Bill clears the path for victims to report crimes without fear of defamation, keeps petty disputes out of the courts, and empowers journalists to do their job without being silenced," said Ms Boothby.
"We're freeing up the courts so they can focus on serious crime, because that's where our resources should be."
Ms Boothby said Labor sat on two critical stages of reform for years and did nothing.
"We're not making the same mistake. As part of our year of action, certainty and security, we are delivering these changes and getting the job done."
"We've acted decisively to modernise the law and give Territorians a justice system that works," she said.
"These reforms also reinforce our belief in an accountable democracy, where the media can hold public figures to account, and where everyday people have confidence that the system is fair, efficient and focused on what matters."
The Defamation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 passed in Northern Territory Parliament today. It amends the Defamation Act 2006, Limitation Act 1981, and bring the Northern Territory into the modern era.
