Peter dutton defamation case discontinued shane bazzi 20220926 p5ykyy.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Peter Dutton's defamation case discontinued

AAP

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Peter Dutton's defamation case against a refugee advocate has come to an end after an agreement was struck over legal costs, following the overturning of a finding that was initially in favour of the opposition leader.

A notice of discontinuation was filed in the High Court on Friday.

Refugee advocate Shane Bazzi in December was ordered to pay Dutton $35,000 in damages and some of his legal costs over a now-deleted tweet.

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Shane Bazzi will no longer need to pay $35,000 in damages to Peter Dutton after the Defence Minister sued him over defamation.

Shane Bazzi will no longer need to pay $35,000 in damages to Peter Dutton after the Defence Minister sued him over defamation.  Shane Bazzi Twitter

The judge found the six-word tweet labelling the then home affairs minister "a rape apologist" was defamatory.

But in May three Federal Court appeal judges allowed Bazzi's appeal, set aside the December order and dismissed the proceeding.

The court was scheduled to examine whether Dutton would have to pay the legal costs for Bazzi, who raised money for his defence using crowdfunding.

O'Brien Solicitors, representing Bazzi, on Monday said an agreement had been struck and there was no need for further argument.

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New Liberal leader, Peter Dutton.

The judge found the six-word tweet labelling the then home affairs minister "a rape apologist" was defamatory. SMH

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"This has been a long and tough campaign against a powerful adversary," the law firm said in a statement.

Bazzi said people should be able to reasonably criticise politicians without fear of being sued.

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"I am very relieved that this matter has now been finalised. I am proud that I fought this case and was vindicated by the Full Court of the Federal Court," he said.

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