Defamation in Queensland: Cease and Desist Letters and Concerns Notices
Dealing with False or Damaging Statements?
Take our Fast-Track Assessment below to understand your legal options.
We help individuals and businesses respond to defamation, unfair reviews, harassment and other damaging statements with fast, strategic action. In many cases, an early legal response such as a cease and desist letter or concerns notice can stop the harm before it escalates.
Defamation disputes can have serious consequences for your business, your reputation, your career and your personal life. At Odyssey Legal, we understand how distressing these situations can be, which is why we take a strategic, client-focused approach to protecting your rights.
Whether you have been falsely accused, need to take action against someone who has damaged your reputation, or are defending a defamation claim, our team can help. We assess your situation, explain your legal options and guide you through the most effective path forward.
Start with the quick assessment below to see whether a cease and desist letter or concerns notice may be appropriate for your situation.
With the right legal strategy, damaging statements do not have to define your future. Odyssey Legal is here to help you restore your reputation and move forward with confidence.
Complete the quick assessment - it takes just 2 minutes. Your answers help us determine whether your matter can be handled quickly or needs a more tailored approach. If you qualify for either a Cease-and-Desit or Concerns Notice, you’ll be directed to complete the Initial Scope of Works Letter online. Once submitted, we’ll begin drafting your letter, issue an invoice, and provide a draft within 48 hours of payment. If your matter is more complex, we’ll let you know and guide you to book a consultation so we can give you the right advice from the start.
Need a defamation response drafted quickly? Start here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our team provides expert advice and representation on defamation matters, including drafting or responding to Concerns Notices, negotiating settlements, and commencing or defending proceedings before the Court.
Document the defamatory content, avoid responding publicly, and seek legal advice promptly to explore your options surrounding a defamation claim or action.
Yes, republishing or sharing defamatory material can make you liable for defamation, even if you weren't the original author.
Absolutely. Online publications, including social media posts, blogs, and comments, are subject to the Defamations Act 2005 (Qld) and, in other states, the relevant uniform legislation will apply to social media posts.
Yes, a small business with under 10 employees or a not-for-profit organisation can sue for defamation. However, medium to large businesses with more than 10 employees cannot commence action for defamation, but they may be able to commence proceedings for tortious interference.
Generally, within 12 months of publication. But in certain (strict) circumstances, this timeframe can be extended up to three (3) years.
Depending on the severity of the publication in your defamation claim, you may be entitled to claim damages for economic loss (i.e. loss of business), non-economic loss (i.e. damages for stress, anxiety, PTSD) and aggravated damages.
Yes, common defences to defamation claims include truth (justification), honest opinion, absolute privilege, and qualified privilege.
To prove serious harm in a defamation claim, you must demonstrate significant reputational or financial damage. This can be economic loss, including (without limitation) loss of employment, loss of clients, or a downtrend in client enquiries, which may be able to be obtained from an accountant or other expert that can demonstrate the loss.
Non-economic loss including (without limitation) damages for stress, anxiety, PTSD, or otherwise, resulting from the publication, which may be able to be obtained from a treating psychiatrist or psychologist.
You must demonstrate that the publication was defamatory, referred to you (expressly or that it can be reasonably inferred), and was communicated to third parties. Additionally, you need to show that it caused serious harm to your reputation.
Defamation is the publishing (verbally, in writing, or in other form) by the publisher of unsubstantiated facts about an individual (aggrieved) to a third party, which damages the reputation of the aggrieved, causing them to suffer loss or damages.
The Concerns Notice is a prerequisite for an aggrieved party wishing to commence proceedings under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld).
The Concerns Notice is the foundation for any defamation proceedings, and consequently, if the Concerns Notice does not meet the specific requirements under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld) and is deficient or incorrectly served, then this could mean that any proceedings commenced by you could be struck out or dismissed and you could be liable for the publishers’ legal costs.
This is why it is imperative that the Concerns Notice is drafted and served in compliance with the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld).
In compliance with the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld), prior to commencing proceedings, the aggrieved party must issue a Concerns Notice to the publisher. The publisher will then generally have 28 days to make an offer to make amends. If the publisher fails to do so, or the offer to make amends is insufficient, then the aggrieved may commence defamation proceedings.
