Former Stonnington mayor Jami Klisaris has secured an apology from Council Watch Victoria figure Dean Hurlston after resolving a defamation case centred on what she alleged were persistent and unreasonable online attacks.
Klisaris filed the writ in August, accusing Hurlston and Council Watch of spreading “persistent and baseless allegations of corruption” during the 2024 council election, including “posting manipulated images of Ms Klisaris’ face on the body of animals”.
Court documents also detailed a separate allegation posted online about inappropriate physical contact, which Klisaris firmly denied, stating she had “at no stage” made any such contact and noting she had “only 3 months earlier become happily married”.
The parties have now settled, with terms undisclosed.
Hurlston issued a statement saying: “To the extent that I, (Dean Hurlston) have made statements about Cr Jami Klisaris that may have negatively impacted her reputation and standing within the community, I regret doing so. I wish to apologise for any such statements and withdraw them entirely. I wish to apologise for any distress caused to Cr Klisaris for the way these statements were made.”
Klisaris welcomed the outcome, saying she was “very pleased that the matter has resolved” and “very glad that this matter is behind me so I can continue to focus on the community.”
Source: The Age.
