About this event
As not-for-profits, we have a lot invested in our reputation. Trust from members, service users, funders and the public is essential to our existence. What can we do if we think our organisation, or its people have been defamed? On the other hand, what can we do to make sure we don’t publish defamatory material on our social media channels, websites or elsewhere?
Defamation law is a technical area, with differences between states and territories that require careful consideration. That’s why we’re partnering with defamation experts at Justice Connect partner law firm Wotton Kearney. Partners Richard Leder and Georgie Austin will use plain language and practical examples to help you get across what you need to know to protect your not-for-profit on both sides.
Wotton Kearney will cover:
- What is defamation?
- Who can be defamed? Including not-for-profits.
- Who can be sued for defamation?
- Common defences
- Taking action - concerns notices, apologies, and offers to make amends
- Practical guidance for organisations to avoid the risks of defamation claims
You'll receive:
- 75 minutes of plain-language training from a lawyer
- Copy of webinar recording (accessible for 3 months) and slide presentation
- Information on further resources and support
Who should attend:
Senior staff and Board members in not-for-profit organisations.
About the presenters
When
Thursday, 10 April 2025, 12.45 - 2pm AEST
Can't attend on the day? Register and you'll receive the recording and slide handout so you can catch up whenever suits you.
Registrations close at 12:00pm AEST on the day of the webinar.
Cost
$49 - $85 per person
$199 group pass - up to 5 people from one organisation
Where
Online via Zoom
You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered. The Zoom link, meeting ID and passcode will be sent to you via email. Occasionally the Zoom confirmation emails can be prevented by an organisational firewall. If you haven't received the Zoom link within 3-5 days of registering, please check your junk/spam folder, contact us on the email below, or troubleshoot further.
If you are having trouble registering, please get in touch at nfptraining@justiceconnect.org.au or call 03 8593 4799.
Richard Leder
Richard is Head of Wotton Kearney's Commercial Litigation team and is based in the Melbourne office. He is a market-recognised leader in commercial litigation, personal injury, media law and dispute resolution. Richard is an experienced negotiator with an impressive track record in assisting clients to avoid costly litigation and has acted for many leading Australian corporates.
Richard is also considered one of Australia's leading specialists in media law and defamation. He has acted in many high-profile defamation cases, including for Rebel Wilson and Grant Denyer, and for Channel 7 for the past 30 years, The Conversation Media Group, The Big Issue, and the Elliott Newspaper Group. Richard was awarded a medal in the Order of Australia in 2019 for his contribution to the community, including his involvement with the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.
Georgie Austin
Georgie is a Partner in Wotton Kearney's Commercial Litigation team and is based in the Melbourne office. She is an experienced litigator who specialises in commercial litigation, Royal Commissions and Inquiries, and media and sports law, acting for major commercial and government clients.
Georgie works closely with clients to protect their legal, commercial and reputational interests, and is well-regarded for her ability to project-manage complex and large-scale disputes and to support clients throughout sensitive and high-profile matters.
Georgie has acted in many high-profile defamation cases, including for Rebel Wilson and Grant Denyer. She provides pre-publication advice to clients including Channel 7 Melbourne, JAM TV Australia and The Conversation Media Group, as well as advising and representing clients, both individuals and media clients, in defamation and contempt matters.