Mark Latham, who is currently an independent member of the NSW Legislative Council after being dumped by One Nation, has been ordered to pay $100K to fellow parliament member Alex Greenwich for unlawfully vilifying and sexually harassing him online.
The case centred on explicit and derogatory comments Latham made across social media, print and radio, including homophobic posts that described Greenwich’s presumed sex life in graphic terms.
The tribunal determined the remarks incited hatred and ridicule based on sexuality, contributing to harassment that affected Greenwich’s safety and well-being. Additional statements were found to imply harmful accusations, including suggestions linked to child safety. Latham has rejected the decision, calling it politically motivated and “absurd,” and confirmed he will appeal.
"The primary tweet was so obnoxious that, in the main, media sources did not repeat it," the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal said in its decision.
"This reticence by media outlets, usually hungry to print the comments of high-profile politicians, also bespeaks a 'line having been crossed' from acceptable commentary to unacceptable vilification."
Mr Latham's tweet came in response to a news article quoting Mr Greenwich describing him as a "disgusting human being".
The tribunal maintained that public commentary is part of a politician’s work and subject to legal standards. Greenwich said the outcome reinforces that public figures can be held accountable for unlawful vilification.
