Act questions defamation clause

The Act party wants to amend proposed legislation making defamation of election candidates illegal to give journalists more protection in situations where untrue statements are made live on television or radio.

Act MP Stephen Franks says the original clause claims to prevent false allegations that could damage candidates in the lead-up to an election while not threatening free speech.

But it does not address the likelihood of lies being told at a public meeting and live on radio and television, he says.

It would also "criminalise" journalists who have no reason to believe they are reporting false statements.