English Works

Defamation laws, the ABC and Nine network against Chau Chak Wing

Speedy defamation law changes needed – The Age February

Defamation laws are critical to a free press.

The Age Editorial – Formal language and jargon

In February 2021, the Federal Court ordered the ABC and Nine Network (The Age) to pay $590,000 for defaming Mr Chau. They claimed he paid “bribes” in the form of donations and carried out the work of a secret lobbying arm of the Chinese Communist Party.

Lexicology and jargon relating to freedom of the press:

According to the Age’s editor, citizens must have access to the courts to demand compensation from the media for malicious damage to their reputations.

However, it is also important to have safeguards in place so that journalists and media organisations can pursue responsible, public-interest journalism.

If this is not the case, it is difficult to exercise one’s freedom of speech; it is difficult to ensure freedom of the press.

There is a case for amending the laws to ensure that a publication in the public interest is protected – as long as the media organisation acted responsibly.

In this case, Nine and ABC did not have this defence.

If the freedom of information laws are weak – it is hard for media companies to obtain information.

Often whistleblowers do not have adequate protection.

Formal language: example of jargon/legalese: media outlets; Defamation laws; free press; malicious damage; media companies; public interest journalism; defamatory imputations; plaintiff said the ABC and Nine had made six defamatory imputations against him.. .

Formal language; syntax: (passive voice; complex sentences; modal verbs; nominals) “The case involving Mr Chau also raises questions not covered by the template law about whether defamation trials could be conducted more efficiently .. The Age believes judges should rule on what defamatory imputations have been made in a publication before the parties argue over whether they were true or other defences are available.”