Shield laws: Crucial new laws will protect whistleblower sources

Journalists will be protected from the threat of jail if they choose not to reveal their whistleblower sources, as consultation begins on “vital” shield laws that will protect the public interest.

Journalists will be protected from revealing their whistleblower sources under the threat of jail as consultation begins today on shield laws.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman will meet with members of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance to discuss how laws might be drafted to protect vital public interest reporting.

“Shield laws are complex laws, and it’s crucial we get this right,” said Ms Fentiman.

“The Palaszczuk Government knows how important they are to the media and the Queensland public’s right to know.

“Importantly, we know how vital shield laws are in protecting Queenslanders.

“Journalists should not be going to jail for doing their job and Queenslanders need to be protected if they come forward with important information.”

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Demand for shield laws has been growing as a landmark case has been heard in secret involving a Queensland journalist who is facing prosecution for refusing to reveal their confidential source.

The Supreme Court found in August last year that the unnamed television journalist was not entitled to claim privilege when he refused to answer questions about his sources during a Crime and Corruption Commission hearing.

It came before the Court of Appeal in a secret hearing last Friday.

The CCC hearing was held as part of a corruption investigation into the alleged leaking of information relating to a counter-terrorism raid, surveillance equipment and a murder.

Ms Fentiman said her department would examine laws in other Australian jurisdictions to determine the best model for Queensland, including reviewing case law.

“Any reforms to introduce shield laws need to balance the obligations of maintaining confidentiality in the interests of a free and effective press with the necessity of discovering the truth in the interests of justice,” she said.