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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Richard Ackland

Dutton’s campaign to sue detractors failed to factor in vagaries of defamation law

Peter Dutton
Peter Dutton’s attempt to sue refugee advocate Shane Bazzi for defamation was defeated in the full federal court after an appeal. Photograph: Jono Searle/AAP

With the election outcome now decided, for all practical purposes, we can now happily turn to that other theatre of conflict – the courts. In March last year, around the time he was moving from home affairs to defence, the Liberal party strongman Peter Dutton issued a warning to the citizens.

He was going to sue people who posted rude things about him on Twitter. “Don’t Mess with Pete” was the message. He’s going to hunt you down and bring you to justice.

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