In relation to the reform of defamation law in the ACT.

1. How many defamation actions were commenced (a) in the Supreme Court and (b) the Magistrates Court for each of the four years (i) 1996, (ii) 1997, (iii) 1998 (iv) 1999?

2. In each court, how many of these cases were? (a) Settled; (b) Defended; (c) Withdrawn; or (d) Resulted in an award of damages by the Court (including the Master or Registrar).

3. How many defamation actions, regardless of the date of commencement, are still to be concluded in each court.

4. In how many cases in each court was the defendant (or one of several defendants) a newspaper or television station.

5. In how many cases in each court was the plaintiff (or one of several plaintiffs) a politician or other recognisably prominent person.

6. For each court what was:

(a) the average amount of damages awarded;

(b) the highest amount of damages awarded;

(c) the lowest amount of damages awarded

1. ACT Supreme Court

Year No. of Defamations

1997 7

1998 7

1999 9

ACT Magistrates Court

Year No. of Defamations

1997 1

1998 9

1999 3