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Legal guide · Victoria

What can I do about defamation in Victoria?

If a false statement has damaged your reputation, you may have a defamation claim — but there are strict steps and short time limits, so act quickly.

Defamation & reputation

Defamation is a false statement, published to others, that damages your reputation — including online posts and reviews. In Victoria there are strict steps and short time limits, so getting advice quickly matters.

The first step

Before suing, you usually must serve a concerns notice setting out the defamatory imputations and giving a chance to make amends. This is now a required part of the process.

Time limits

A defamation claim generally must be brought within a strict period of publication, so don’t delay if your reputation is being harmed.

How we help

We advise whether you have a claim, prepare the concerns notice, and pursue removal, an apology, correction or damages. Book a consult quickly given the deadlines.

Common questions

Good to know

Do online reviews and posts count as defamation?

They can — a false statement published to others that damages your reputation may be defamatory, including online.

Is there a time limit?

Yes — a defamation claim generally must be brought within a strict period of publication, so act quickly.

General information only — for advice about your situation, see more guides or book a consult with ORLA Legal.

Reputation attacked? Act quickly — talk to us.

Speak with an experienced Victorian lawyer — book online, or call us 24/7.

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