Attorney-General Christian Porter has sent a clear message he is not messing about in a defamation action against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and journalist Louise Milligan, appointing a top-tier legal team.

Sydney barristers Bret Walker, SC, and Sue Chrysanthou, SC, will act as counsel for Australia’s first law officer in the Federal Court, while reputation specialist Rebekah Giles, of Company Giles, will act as his solicitor.