Sacked JLL executives launch defamation action against The Australian and its columnist

Two former senior executives at global property firm JLL have filed defamation claims against The Australian and one of its high-profile columnists, alleging that published allegations about their conduct were false and triggered their dismissals.

Peter Blade, previously head of the industrial and logistics agency, and Greg Pike, former national head of industrial and logistics brokerage, were terminated in October after reports in The Australian accused them of boasting in a work WhatsApp group about visiting a strip club and using sexually suggestive language towards a female colleague.

In documents lodged with the Federal Court, the pair argue that the coverage portrayed them as men who “routinely engage in sexual coercion, intimidation and harassment of female employees”, causing “substantial hurt, distress and embarrassment”. They say the allegations were untrue and have damaged their personal and professional reputations.

The filings reveal that two major clients, Goodman Group and Charter Hall, reportedly suspended agency agreements with JLL in the days after the first story appeared, compounding commercial fallout for the firm. Blade and Pike claim they were readily identifiable to industry peers even before being named and accuse the outlet of relying on “biased” sources with personal grievances.

JLL appointed Clyde & Co to investigate the allegations but did not interview the two executives before their dismissal, according to the filings. Both men estimate future earnings losses of between $5 million and $15 million.

A spokesperson for The Australian has defended the reporting, saying it exposed cultural issues and prompted “meaningful reforms” at JLL, which accepted the findings and removed several leaders.