Laws to protect media sources ‘in everyone’s best interests’

Shield laws in Queensland will be expanded so that journalists won’t be compelled to give up their sources to the Crime and Corruption Commission in coercive hearings.

Shield laws in Queensland will be expanded so that journalists won’t be compelled to give up their sources to the Crime and Corruption Commission in coercive hearings.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman will announce on Monday that the state government will begin consultation on the proposed law changes in a bid to better protect journalists and their sources.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman. Picture: Liam Kidston

Ms Fentiman said providing clarity about the application of shield laws in relation to the corruption watchdog was in “everyone’s best interests”.

“The application of privileges in the context of the CCC raises very complex issues and we’re considering the views of stakeholders in relation to journalist shield laws as part of this work,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Journalists need to be protected when doing their jobs and Queenslanders need confidence that their source’s anonymity can be retained where necessary and appropriate.

“Providing clarity about the application of shield laws to the CCC is in everyone’s best interests.”

The changes will come too late, though, for a Queensland journalist – who can only be identified as ‘Journalist F’ – who could face jail time or a fine for refusing to reveal their sources to the CCC.

The Queensland Court of Appeals last year rejected Journalist F’s appeal against a Supreme Court Decision that found he was not entitled to claim privilege.

The Attorney-General’s announcement comes as the first tranche of shield laws, which passed parliament earlier this year, come into effect on Monday.

The changes will ensure journalists won’t be compelled to answer questions or produce documents that reveal the identity of sources in proceedings before Queensland courts, including in civil matters.

“Openness and transparency are key to building trust and integrity in our strong democratic society,” Ms Fentiman said.

“While journalists’ sources are generally identified in media reports, there are some occasions when important information can only be reported through confidential sources.

“That’s why we have put these protections in place.”

The government has come under scrutiny since the passage of its shield laws for failing to initially apply them to the CCC’s hearings, with renowned journalist Peter Greste labelling the laws “meaningless”.

Queensland was the last state in the country to introduce shield laws.