Google Review Removal in Perth

Perth businesses face the same fake and abusive reviews as anywhere else, but the legal backdrop to Google review removal in Western Australia is different from the eastern states. G-DEFENCE assesses and challenges unlawful or policy-breaching reviews for Perth businesses, remotely.

Updated 2026-10-11

Western Australia stands apart on defamation law

Defamation in WA is governed by the Defamation Act 2005 (WA), which commenced on 1 January 2006 as part of the uniform national scheme. Since then, the other states and territories have adopted the Stage 1 reforms, and most have adopted Stage 2. Western Australia has not adopted either. The consolidated version of the WA Act on the state legislation website is still the original 2006 version, and recent legal commentary describes WA as the only jurisdiction without the serious harm element.

In practice, this means several features that apply in Sydney or Melbourne do not currently apply to a claim under WA law:

there is no statutory serious harm element, and the older defence of triviality remains;
a concerns notice is not a mandatory step before proceedings;
the single publication rule for online material has not been adopted;
the Stage 2 provisions on digital intermediaries, such as search engines and platforms, have not been enacted.

One thing is the same: under the WA Act, most corporations still cannot sue for defamation. Only an "excluded corporation", a not-for-profit or a business with fewer than 10 employees that is not related to another corporation, can. Which state's law applies to a review read across Australia can be complicated, and that is a question for a WA lawyer. Our overview of the Defamation Act 2005 explains the national model the other jurisdictions have amended.

Perth businesses and reviews

Perth's economy is shaped by the resources sector, and that flows through to the businesses around it: trades, vehicle sales and servicing, property, and the law and accounting firms that support companies and individuals. Our clients include a law firm in Perth. Professional firms have a particular problem with reviews: a disappointed opposing party in a dispute, rather than a client, sometimes posts a review. That can raise a conflict-of-interest question under Google's policies, although an honest account of their dealings with the firm may stand. See our pages for law firms, tradies and real estate.

Whatever the legal position, Google removes reviews under its own content policy, and that policy is the same in Perth as in Hobart. Fake engagement, conflicts of interest, harassment and personal information are the usual grounds. Genuine negative reviews from real clients stay up, and we will say so if that is what you have. Fake reviews used to attack a business may also be misleading conduct under the Australian Consumer Law, which applies nationally.

Consumer Protection, part of the WA government, administers the Australian Consumer Law in the state alongside the ACCC. It handles consumer complaints and can act on misleading conduct, but it does not remove reviews from Google Maps.

Working across the time difference

WA does not observe daylight saving. Perth is seven or eight hours ahead of the United Kingdom, which, unusually for Australia, gives a short overlap with UK mornings at the end of the Perth working day. Even so, the assessment form or email is the most reliable route, and we reply to assessment requests within 24 hours. G-DEFENCE has no Perth office or staff; all work is done remotely.

You pay only when a review is removed. Rates are listed on our pricing page, and there is no upfront removal fee. If a Perth review looks fake or makes false claims about your business, send it for a free assessment.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the WA difference make it easier to get a review removed from Google?

Not directly. Google's content policy is the same everywhere, and most removals rely on that policy. The WA position matters mainly if someone is considering a court claim, which is a matter for a lawyer.

Is WA going to adopt the national reforms?

The WA government has indicated an intention to do so in the past, but as of October 2026 we are not aware of a bill having been passed. Check the WA Parliament website or ask a lawyer for the current position.

Can I call you during Perth business hours?

Our number is a UK line, and Perth is seven or eight hours ahead of the UK, so late afternoon in Perth is the most practical time. Email or the assessment form usually gets a faster written answer.