Paul,

The key requirement for anything to be defamatory is that it not true.

As all the information upon which the link is based is public knowledge to call it defamatory, and the author a troll is simply a fatuous response aimed at silencing genuine criticism.

As I pointed out above, that if the accusations contained in the link were false, Shorten with access to union records could easily produce the documents to prove that most of the accusations were false and put the issues to bed once and for all.

Instead, the unions are fighting a rearguard action in the courts to prevent these records being accessed by the police. There is no rational reason for this obstruction other than that Shorten and the unions are guilty of what they are accused of.

Yuyutsu,

I agree with your first post, even if you are casting pearls before swine who would be better off on despicable ‘social media’. Non- stop chat about very little at all is their forte.

As for the effect of muck on voting, I can’t really know what anyone but my closest acquaintances think; but, I suppose I don’t worry about it too much myself. As I said, my plan for voting at this election is this: writing ‘none of these’ on the lower house paper, with ‘end mass immigration’ and ‘end multiculturalism’, space permitting. For the senate, I have a list of the obligatory 12 below the line candidates. This list does not include the Coalition, Labor or the Greens.

Not that our votes are worth much. As I read recently, and reported on OLO, parliamentary politics is irrelevant, no matter who forms government. The country is run by ideologues in institutions and big business.

I thought it rather hypocritical to accuse Morrison of being a "classic space invader" when all Morrison did was entering wasted space !

well the Democrats in America clearly demonstrated they are very happy to embrace any grub that is anti Trump. I dare say Labour has far worse than those who were forced to resign from One Nation. The difference seems to be regressives embrace grubs in their own ranks while calling for the blood of those they oppose. Any Russian collusion yet? Thought not. Any lying Democrats and media resigned yet? Thought not.

The rumors, whispers, allegations and yes facts, are only known by Mr. SHORTEN, and a handful of police. There's been much gossip and speculation abound, even among police regarding alleged criminality associated with Mr. SHORTEN. Whatever the truth may be - As I said earlier, it's only known by Mr. Wm. (Bill) SHORTEN and a handful of police members?

Personally, I have very little time for the leader of the Opposition, or his brand of politics. However, it's utterly fallacious, and downright injudicious, for anyone to make allegations of criminality concerning this individual, unless they have verifiable proof that's capable of being tested, in a properly constituted, Court of Law.

Shadow,

As I read it, according to you if something is considered "public knowledge" then it cannot be defamatory. You also claim "for anything to be defamatory is that it not true". Are you claiming all that is public knowledge is true? Take one example from the link provided;//At no stage has Bill Shorten been cleared of rape// just like 99.9% of the population. The inference is because an allegation was made, that until proven innocent Shorten must be guilty. Is there proof that Bill Shorten is guilty of rape, if not then this bloke is impugning Shortens reputation. Interesting this kangaroo court relies heavily on another discredited kangaroo court, the so called Trade Union Royal Commission, headed by a person who was shown to exhibit a degree of bias against the labour side of politics.

Dowling also relies on rumour, under the heading "Shorten gets one of his staff pregnant" Where is the evidence this is a true statement. Read on and its rumour put out there by none other than the rabid right's mouthpiece Piers Akerman from a far right Murdoch publication.