Governments must stop the SLAPP of people power

Governments across Australia are being urged to enact comprehensive legislation to stop corporations, wealthy individuals and governments misusing Australia’s legal system, system, in a new report released by the Human Rights Law Centre today. 

The Stop the SLAPP report shines a light on the rise of Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) being used in Australia by the powerful and the wealthy against human rights defenders, journalists, whistleblowers, activists or civil society groups for their advocacy.  

The Human Rights Law Centre is calling for comprehensive anti-SLAPP legislation, grounded in human rights law and standards, to ensure that those who speak out in the public interest are protected from this type of “lawfare” and legal bullying. 

The report’s release comes as a judgement is due to be handed down today in Adani activist Ben Penning’s case, and one week on from the Environmental Defenders’ Office being ordered to pay $9 million to fossil fuel company Santos.  

David Mejia-Canales, Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, said:  

“From Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people standing up to protect Country, to whistleblowers calling out corporate misconduct, and unionists defending workers’ rights, public interest advocacy is critical for holding power to account and creating lasting change.  

“But Australia’s weak laws leave people who speak up in the public interest vulnerable to abusive legal tactics like SLAPP suits. This isn’t just a legal issue; it is a threat to our democracy. 

“Human rights defenders, activists, journalists, whistleblowers and civil society groups must be protected from being dragged through expensive and exhausting legal processes by powerful corporations. 

“SLAPP suits are a growing threat to free speech and democracy, an abuse of the legal system, and a tactic of choice by the rich and powerful to intimidate those who speak out in the public interest. 

“Without immediate reform, SLAPPs will continue to undermine the very foundations of our democracy, chilling the voices of those who dare to speak out for the common good. 

“Governments across the country must take action to implement comprehensive anti-SLAPP legislation to protect public advocacy and free speech, and safeguard our democracy.” 

Read the full report released today: Stop The SLAPP: Protecting Free Speech in Australia. 

Media contact:
Chandi Bates
Media and Communications Manager
Human Rights Law Centre
0430 277 254
chandi.bates@hrlc.org.au