The proposed amendments are aimed at modernising current laws that were introduced in the early days of social media.

Among the proposed changes is the introduction of a proposed public interest defence for journalists.

As well, reforms are proposed to address the increasing use of defamation laws for trivial matters.

The laws were agreed to by the national Council of Attorneys-General at a meeting in July last year.

The amendments are expected to be introduced across each state and territory, with NSW the first to pass the new laws in July.

Further reforms to defamation law are also being worked through nationally.

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Mr Rattenbury said the amendments would improve defamation laws in the ACT.

"The reforms ensure that defamation law aligns more closely with the community's expectations about what should and should not be allowed," he said.

"They ensure our laws do not place unreasonable limits on freedom of expression and, in particular, on the publication and discussion of matters of public interest and importance."

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