In Stevens v Birtic [2024] QDC 160, the District Court of Queensland was tasked with an application to set aside or dismiss a defamation claim initiated by Kylie Ann Stevens against Damien Birtic. Both parties operated seafood businesses from refrigerated vans in the Gladstone area. The defamation claim arose from allegations that Birtic damaged Stevens' reputation through Facebook posts and discussions implying her seafood was of dubious quality. The court examined the validity of Stevens' concerns notice under the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld). Ultimately, the judge dismissed the claim, finding insufficient grounds as there was no valid concerns notice nor clear demonstration of serious harm caused to Stevens' reputation.
Full text: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/149081