Release Date: 5/02/2015
Business is disappointed that government will not proceed with changes to the Defamation Act to allow all businesses to sue individuals who spread false and misleading information.
“There should be equality in the business sector when it involves defamation,” Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey said today after the government’s announcement.
“We had hoped that all businesses, not just those with less than 10 employees, were able to take legal action under the Defamation Act.
“Why shouldn’t companies with 10 or more employees be restricted from taking recourse under the Defamation Act when subject to deliberate campaigns of mistruth?
“At least the Government’s proposal prompted a volatile debate which helped to highlight to the community the misleading tactics that Tasmanian business has been subject to in the past but hopefully not into the future. Business must be protected from having their business reputations trashed causing economic hardships to business and their Tasmanian workers.”
Contact: TCCI Chief Executive, Michael Bailey, mobile 0437 322 338