Mark Latham defends explicit tweet as Alex Greenwich’s vilification case reaches final stage.
Former federal Labour leader Mark Latham has launched a fierce defence in a tribunal, accusing NSW independent MP Alex Greenwich of being unable to handle public criticism, as a high-profile homosexual vilification case draws to a close.
Latham, who now sits as an independent in the NSW upper house, took the witness stand on Wednesday, using it as a platform to launch a lengthy tirade against his political rival. He claimed Greenwich’s legal action was an attempt to silence him, describing the independent MP as hypersensitive to criticism.
“If [Mr Greenwich] has a leak in his roof, he would stomp around his house and say ‘Bloody Latham, bloody Latham’,” he told the tribunal.
The case revolves around a sexually explicit tweet Latham sent in 2023, which the Federal Court has already ruled defamatory, as well as later media appearances in which he repeated his criticisms. Greenwich’s legal team argued that the ongoing posts continued to cause him harm, pointing to a fresh tweet from Latham in which he called the tribunal hearing “an absurd proposition” and declared his earlier comments “100 per cent true.”
Latham’s lawyer, Zali Burrows, attempted to introduce additional late evidence, including Latham describing Greenwich as a “spoilt child” and making references to his father. Senior tribunal member Mandy Tibbey allowed only a small portion of this material, questioning its relevance and remarking, “I don’t really see how this helps your case.”
Greenwich’s lawyers also sought permission to keep updating the record with any further tweets from Latham until final submissions were filed, but the tribunal rejected the request. Ms Burrows argued that such a move risked making the matter “never-ending.”
“It is desirable there is a cessation of hostilities between the parties,” Ms Tibbey observed. Greenwich’s counsel, Prue Bindon, added, “Mr Greenwich would very much like it to stop.”
Outside the tribunal, Greenwich said he was “really relieved” the two-day hearing had concluded, expressing a wish to move forward.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Sydney MP has previously testified that Latham harboured “an abusive obsession” with him and that the 2023 tweet had “diminished, demeaned and dehumanised” him.
The online clash between the two politicians escalated after violent protests erupted outside a church in Sydney’s southwest in March 2023, where Latham was delivering a pre-election speech. Around 250 mostly male counter-protesters attacked police and 15 LGBTQI demonstrators.
Days later, Greenwich described Latham as a “disgusting human being” in a social media post. Latham responded with a tweet that referenced a sex act in graphic detail. Greenwich successfully sued over the tweet in the Federal Court in 2024, winning $140,000 in damages plus an estimated $400,000 in legal costs.
Latham has faced several controversies in recent years, including admitting to taking photographs of women MPs without their knowledge and later apologising for the incident.
The tribunal’s proceedings mark the latest chapter in the protracted legal and political feud between the two MPs. Written submissions in the case are due by 29 October, after which the tribunal will deliver its decision.
