Maurice Hayes (Independent)

It is pleasing to discover that any type of feelings are imputed to such bodies. I strongly support Senator Norris in this. It is a supreme example of what is called a pathetic fallacy: the idea that inanimate bodies have feelings. This provision carries the notion of legal personality further than logic would bear it. Like Senator Norris, I do not believe bodies corporate have feelings to be hurt. They are entitled to damages if they suffer financial losses as a result of defamation, but this section goes beyond that.

I am concerned about the damage this provision might do to honest investigative journalism, especially to the work of journalists who examine the activities of pharmaceutical companies, for example, or companies that produce genetically modified foods. These are the corporate entities that will move in quickly with writs to close down that type of investigation.