NSW Using Parents' Name to Gain Community Standing - Legal?

[Steph68]

Is it against Australian Law for a person to say that they were close friends with my parents (who were notable community members in a small town) to further his standing in the community?

My parents are dead but I've asked every family member and close friends if they have heard of this person and none of us have.

Is there a law to protect my parent's names being used like this ?

 

[Sophea]

If his affiliation with your parents has the potential to harm your reputation it could constitute defamation on you. However the right of action in Defamation is not available to deceased persons. Unless this has a commercial component and he is passing off his own business as being affiliated with your parents business or something, I don't believe there is any legal recourse simply for lying.