8 In the course of doing so, over the course of a few days after the rally, Mr Pesutto issued a media release, gave radio and TV interviews, held a press conference and caused to be distributed to media outlets an "expulsion motion and dossier".
9 Mrs Deeming alleged in this proceeding that, in the course of doing so, Mr Pesutto defamed her, including because he falsely accused her of associating with neo-Nazis. She sought, among other things, an order that he pay her damages, including aggravated damages.
10 Mr Pesutto admitted that he defamed Mrs Deeming, but not in the way she alleged. He contended that Mrs Deeming's pleaded imputations are not carried and that he is entitled to rely on defences, including of public interest and honest opinion. Accordingly, Mr Pesutto submitted that the proceeding against him should be dismissed.
11 Ms S Chrysanthou SC with Mr B Dean of counsel appeared for Mrs Deeming.
12 Dr M J Collins AM KC appeared with Mr T J Mullen, Ms H Jager and Mr D Dexter of counsel for Mr Pesutto.
13 The trial of the proceeding occupied 19 hearing days. Closing written submissions, including a number of highly detailed schedules, comprised almost 1,000 pages, as follows:
- (a) The applicant's closing submissions dated 18 October 2024 (ACS) plus:
- (i) Annexure A, entitled "Chronology of the Let Women Speak Rally" (ACS Annexure A);
- (ii) Annexure B, entitled "Extent of Publication" (ACS Annexure B);
- (iii) Annexure C, entitled "Respondent's allegations regarding 'controversy' about Mrs Deeming, media reporting about her, and her prior reputation" (ACS Annexure C);
- (iv) Annexure D, entitled "Abusive emails / messages received by Mrs Deeming following the Publications" (ACS Annexure D); and
- (v) Annexure E, entitled "Social media posts about Mrs Deeming following the Media Release" (ACS Annexure E).
- (b) The respondent's closing submissions dated 18 October 2024 (RCS) plus:
- (i) Schedule A, entitled "Detailed Factual Chronology and Summary of Evidence" (RCS Schedule A);
- (ii) Schedule B, entitled "Table of alleged republications" (RCS Schedule B); and
