The principal Act is amended by inserting immediately after section 174 a new section 174A as follows:
"Auditors and other persons to enjoy qualified privilege in certain circumstances.
174A. (1) An auditor shall not, in the absence of malice on his part, be liable to any action
for defamation at the suit of any person in respect of any statement which he makes in the course of his duties as auditor, whether the statement is made orally or in writing.
(2) A person shall not, in the absence of malice on his part, be liable to any action for defamation at the suit of any person in respect of the publication of any document prepared by an auditor in the course of his duties and required by or under this Act to be lodged with the Registrar.
(3) This section does not limit or affect any other right, privilege or immunity that an auditor or other person has as defendant in an action for defamation.".