Closed petition Reform parliamentary privilege to remove protection for defamatory statements

Closed on 7 March 2024

Enact primary legislation to reform the outdated and often misused and abused concept of parliamentary privilege, ending legal protection for defamatory statements made in Parliament.

Reforming parliamentary privilege in this way would promote greater transparency, accountability, and equality under the law. By removing the legal immunity granted to parliamentarians for their statements within Parliament, all citizens would be held to the same standards, fostering a more just democratic system. This change would discourage misuse of privilege, prevent the shield of immunity from being exploited for low political gain, and enhance trust in the legislative process.