Federal Liberal MP Andrew Laming threatens 10 MPs and journalists with legal action – Sydney Morning Herald

Dr Lamings statement of claim alleged Milligan had not apologised either privately or publicly and rejected her attempts to clarify her comments in another tweet on June 17 as self-serving.

Milligans clarifying tweet was posted with a note saying attached are some things that should be known about Dr Andrew Laming and linked to an ABC article from April reporting that Dr Laming had not been charged, which she urged her followers to read.

In a broader Twitter discussion about gender and politics a couple of months ago, I did not include Dr Lamings denials, nor the decision by Queensland police not to proceed. I was not reporting on the matter, but nonetheless, am committed as ever to the full story being known, Milligan tweeted.

Liberal Senator James McGrath, a vocal critic of the ABC, on Monday tweeted a letter he had written to ABC chair Ita Buttrose questioning why the broadcaster was paying Milligans legal fees.

As the action relates to tweets issued by Ms Milligan not in a work capacity (as Ms Milligan has admitted) how can you justify this to the taxpayer? I note that Dr Laming is personally paying for his legal costs, Senator McGrath tweeted.

It is the second defamation case Ms Giles has acted in on behalf of Liberal MPs against Milligan this year. She representing Industry Minister Christian Porter in his litigation against Milligan over her reporting of alleged historical rape allegation him, which he denies. The parties settled last month, with the ABC agreeing to pay $100,000 for Mr Porters mediation costs. But the broadcaster did not apologise and the article remains on the ABC website with an editors note.

Loading

The legal blitz by Dr Lamings lawyers has prompted a flurry of written retractions and apologies, issued over Twitter in recent weeks, including from Labor Senator Murray Watt, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, former independent Senator Derryn Hinch, Queensland Labor MP Don Brown, and Chaser-owned website The Shot.

Labor Senator Kristina Keneally deleted a tweet after she received a concerns notice from Ms Giles, but has not apologised publicly.

Journalist and author Georgie Dent, represented by Marque Lawyers partner Michael Bradley, has also deleted a post but not apologised since being contacted by Ms Giles.

Nine, which owns this masthead, has also received concerns notice from Dr Lamings lawyers in connection with its reporting of the allegations against him, but no apology has been issued.

See the original post:

Federal Liberal MP Andrew Laming threatens 10 MPs and journalists with legal action - Sydney Morning Herald