Richardson SC and Parkin defeat summary judgment application in Portelli defamation case

Matthew Richardson SC and Christopher Parkin (instructed by Omar Juweinat of Aquila Lawyers) have successfully opposed a summary judgment application in Federal Court defamation proceedings on behalf of high profile entrepreneur, Adrian Portelli. Mr Portelli is suing a former South Australian Minister for comments made to the media about him in November 2025. The Minister sought, amongst other matters, to have proceedings against her summarily dismissed, claiming that she was unable to be sued under a unique South Australian Act. In an oral judgment given immediately following the application, the Federal Court (Button J) rejected the application, accepting Mr Portelli’s submission that the matters raised on behalf of the Minister (including whether the South Australian Act applied at all) were matters that should be dealt with at trial. The Respondents were ordered to pay Mr Portelli a portion of his costs. The application has been reported on here and here. Matthew Richardson SC’s primary area of practice is in privacy, media and defamation law. He is consistently recognised for his expertise in this area, including as Leading Senior Counsel by Doyle’s Guide. Christopher Parkin specialises in white collar and complex crime, media and employment law. He has been recognised as a leading junior by Legal 500 and a recommended junior by Doyle’s Guide for his expertise in criminal law. For details on rates and availabilities, please contact their clerk Natalie Biondi on clerk@153phillip.com.au.