Nichole Overall sent legal warning to Steve Whan over supporter’s Facebook comment

Monaro Nationals MP Nichole Overall has sent a legal warning to Labor candidate Steve Whan over what she claims was a defamatory third-party comment. Read where the alleged comment was made.

Nationals incumbent Nichole Overall has sent a legal warning to Labor candidate Steve Whan over a comment left on his Facebook account by someone unknown to him.

Incumbent Monaro MP Nichole Overall has sent a legal letter to Labor candidate Steve Whan what she claims was a defamatory comment left by a supporter on his Facebook page.

Mrs Overall also sent a letter to independent candidate Andrew Thaler over four statements he posted on his Facebook page which she claimed were defamatory.

A spokesman from Mrs Overall’s office stated the letters were sent by personal lawyers for the MP and her husband, Former Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council Mayor Tim Overall.

“Personal comments have been made on social media about Mrs Overall,” the spokesman said.

Monaro incumbent Nichole Overall has sent legal letters to two political candidates.

“A notice of concern letter has been sent to Mr Thaler in relation to the comments.

“A letter was sent to Mr Whan alerting him to the comments on his personal social media page.”

A spokesman for Steve Whan confirmed a letter had been received by the party on March 7.

“It pertained to a comment made by a person not known to Steve Whan on a public Facebook post,” the spokesman said.

Labor candidate for Monaro Steve Whan. Picture: Supplied

“The comment was removed as soon as it was brought to our attention.”

The details of the comment left on Mr Whan’s post are not known.

Following a High Court decision in September 2021, online publishers are potentially liable for defamatory comments left by third parties on their social media pages.

The concerns letter sent to Mr Thaler related to four Facebook posts he published on his personal page between February 28 and March 3.

Independent candidate for Monaro Andrew Thaler said he was “not surprised” by the letter. Picture: Supplied

In a statement Mr Thaler said he was “honestly not surprised” by the letter and said he “rejected” the claims of defamation.

“I am entitled to voice my personal and political opinion,” he said.

“I have nothing to apologise for, however in the pursuit of placing the people’s interests above mine, I have undertaken to remove the posts highlighted in the notice.

“I made this undertaking directly to Nichole on Wednesday night at the Queanbeyan Meet The Candidates forum, which was public and broadcast live.

“I believe that will provide a conclusion to this matter, allowing us to move on and ignore the distraction.”