Courts split over FOI defamation threat to whistleblowers

Article


Burgess, Craig N.. 2003. "Courts split over FOI defamation threat to whistleblowers." Freedom of Information Review.
Article Title

Courts split over FOI defamation threat to whistleblowers

Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorBurgess, Craig N.
Journal TitleFreedom of Information Review
Number of Pages3
Year2003
Place of PublicationMelbourne, Australia
Web Address (URL)http://search.informit.com.au/browsePublication;py=2003;res=APAFT;issn=0817-3532;iss=107
Abstract

[Introduction]: Suppose you are a 'whistleblower' and you write a letter to a government department that defames a person. And suppose that person retrieves the document by virtue of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act). The whistle blower would be protected by the Act from a defamation action, right? Wrong. Or, more correctly, it depends on what state you live in. As a result of recent decisions in Queensland and New South Wales, 'authors of documents subject to discovery under the FOI Act may find
they are not 'protected from actions for defamation'.'

Keywordswhistleblowers; defamation
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020480702. Constitutional law
480701. Administrative law
Public Notes

Publisher unable to be reached to confirm copyright policy.

Byline AffiliationsSchool of Law
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https://research.usq.edu.au/item/9yz3y/courts-split-over-foi-defamation-threat-to-whistleblowers

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