Do I need to send a concerns notice before suing for defamation in Queensland?

Yes. Sending a valid concerns notice under section 12B of the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld) is a mandatory pre-condition to commencing defamation proceedings in Queensland since 1 July 2021. You cannot file a claim in court without first sending a concerns notice and allowing the publisher 28 days to make an offer to make amends.

What must the notice contain?

To be legally valid, the notice must clearly identify the publication, spell out the specific defamatory imputations (meanings) it conveys, and request an offer to make amends.

Related Topics

• The Complete Guide to Defamation Law in Queensland
• What happens if I receive a defamation letter?