Qld shield laws again under examination

The State Government is looking at whether journalists need to be protected from statutory bodies, after newspaper staff were threatened with fines if they did not hand over evidence.

Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman

The State Government is looking at whether journalists need to be specifically protected from the powers of statutory bodies, such as the Office of the Independent Assessor, as part of its review into shield laws.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday indicated Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman was looking into the Government’s review of how journalists could be protected.

It came as a Scenic Rim newspaper last week claimed its editor and a journalist were requested to hand over notes and recordings to the OIA – and warned they could face fines if they did not comply.

The Government is set to introduce new shield laws before the end of the year, aimed at protecting journalists as well as their sources.

The newspaper took the OIA to court to challenge the matter, and the office ultimately did not proceed with the issue.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice and Attorney-General said the department was currently considering feedback that would inform the laws, and suggested there would be further consultation.

The Government released a consultation paper earlier this year that included a range of questions, such as whether shield laws should apply to investigation processes.

Asked whether the government’s proposed shield laws should ensure journalists are protected from being fined if they refuse to hand over recordings or notes, a spokeswoman for the OIA said: “Proposed legislation is a policy issue and a matter for parliament.”

Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Steven Miles’ office confirmed yesterday that the parliamentary State Development and Regional Industries Committee had an ongoing review and function monitor in relation to the “performance of the functions of the Independent Assessor”.

Committee chair Chris Whiting said it had recently held a public briefing into the OIA in March.

“The committee has oversight responsibility for the Independent Assessor,” he said.

“The committee does not have the power to reinvestigate complaints made to the Independent Assessor or reconsider a decision or finding of the Independent Assessor.”

The spokeswoman for the OIA also pointed out that the agency appeared before the committee in March.