Tom Blackburn is one of the leading media law and defamation silks in Australia. He regularly appears for both plaintiffs and media defendants in Federal and State Courts, including for the main newspaper, television and new media groups in Australia, both at first instance and on appeal.
He is listed in Doyles Guide to the Legal Profession as a recommended Senior Counsel in Technology, Media & Telecommunications for 2025.
His practice includes breach of confidence and privacy cases, contempt, anti-discrimination and commercial cases as they affect the media, disputes under the Broadcasting Act and administrative/public law. Most recently, he appeared for the publishers in trial and appellate proceedings Gill & Herron v HarperCollins; News Ltd in a trial and subsequent appeal proceedings involving actor Geoffrey Rush in the Federal Court, and in trial and appeal proceedings for members of the Wagner family in QLD in proceedings against Alan Jones’ broadcaster.
From 2016 Tom practised in London at 5RB Chambers, while also continuing to practice in Australia. In 2025 Tom returned to Australia to resume a full time practice at the Sydney Bar.
Best Lawyers 2026
Recognised Silk – Litigation
Legal 500 UK Guide to the Defamation and Privacy Bar
Leading Silk
Doyles Guide 2025 NSW
Leading Senior Counsel – Technology, Media and Telecommunications
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.