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Latham’s Defamation Appeal Concludes With Greenwich Pressing for Higher Damages

Judges will rule later following arguments on defamatory meaning, potential defences, plus a bid to lift the $140,000 award.

Overview

  • The Full Court heard closing submissions on Wednesday and reserved its decision, with judgment to be delivered at a later date.
  • Latham’s counsel argued the tweet was part of political cut-and-thrust, did not carry the meaning found at trial, and failed the serious-harm requirement.
  • His team also sought to rely on qualified privilege and honest opinion, defences the trial judge had rejected.
  • Greenwich filed a cross-appeal seeking a finding that the post impugned his fitness for office and an increase above the $140,000 in damages.
  • The 2023 tweet triggered hostile messages to Greenwich’s office and a police complaint, and the case has contributed to costs above $500,000 and Latham’s removal as One Nation’s parliamentary leader.