Fighting back against big corporations silencing community voices

Human rights defenders, community groups, journalists, activists, and whistleblowers must be protected from being dragged through expensive and exhausting lawsuits by powerful corporations.  

That’s why we have shined a light on the rise of Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP), in our new Stop the SLAPP report. 

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

To fight back, we are calling for comprehensive anti-SLAPP laws, grounded in human rights, to protect people speaking out from this type of “lawfare” and legal bullying.   

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.   

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, Stop The SLAPP: Protecting Free Speech in Australia.