Catchwords:

DEFAMATION – defences – offer to make amends – concerns notice – whether statement of claim a concerns notice – offer to be made within 28 days of receiving concerns notice – no valid offer where made after 28 days – Defamation Act 2005 (NSW), s 14(1)

DEFAMATION – defences – offer to make amends – whether made as soon as reasonably practicable after defendant aware that matter might be defamatory –offer made one year after action commenced – Defamation Act 2005 (NSW), s 18(1)

JUDGMENT – findings at trial that elements of claims made out – defence relied on by trial judge not available – other pleaded defences not pursued – defendant forwent opportunity to appear at trial – plaintiff entitled to judgment on liability

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – procedural fairness – bias – actual or apprehended – other proceedings affected – other parties not heard – whether allegations should be resolved