Michael Brull on abuse of defamation law

Michael Brull has an interesting post over at The Drum, in which he criticises the abuse of defamation law and calls for law reform. He concludes (and I certainly agree with this bit):

However, whilst the law remains as it is, there is also the weapon of public opinion. We should regard with scorn any public commentator who wishes to shield him or herself from public criticism. A journalist – or editor of a media outlet – who wishes to criticise others, and advocate controversial political views – but wishes to prevent others from speaking back – deserves derision and mockery. Such behaviour, in my view, is utterly unacceptable bullying. Australians have to start defending the rights of people to disagree with each other, and to say things that other people don't like.