Peter Dutton issues ‘free press’ diktat to AFP

Peter Dutton issued a ministerial direction to the AFP outlining the government’s expectations when investigating journalists.

Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton. Picture: AAP.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has directed the Australian Federal Police to take into ­account the “importance of a free and open press” before investi­gating a journalist or media ­organisation.

Mr Dutton yesterday issued a ministerial direction to outgoing AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin outlining the government’s expectations when investigating journalists.

Labor slammed the “pitiful timing” of the statement, just days ahead of a parliamentary inquiry into press freedoms.

Mr Dutton said he expected the AFP to “consider broader public interest implications” before investigating media organisations, with alternative avenues to be exhausted first.

The AFP has come under fire from news organisations after it raided the ABC’s Sydney headquarters and the Canberra home of News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst for reporting leaks out of government agencies.

Mr Dutton, who previously defended the raids, said the ministerial direction would not constrain AFP investigations.

“I expect the AFP to take into account the importance of a free and open press in Australia’s democratic society and to consider broader public interest implications before undertaking investigative action involving a professional journalist or news media organisation in relation to an unauthorised disclosure of mat­erial made or obtained by a current or former commonwealth officer,” he said.

“Where consistent with operational imperatives, I expect the AFP to exhaust alternative investigative actions prior to considering whether involving a professional journalist or news media organisation is necessary.”

Media organisations have issued a list of demands for reform, including the right to contest the application of warrants.

News Corp Australasia executive Michael Miller said he welcomed yesterday’s statement from Mr Dutton, but more ­needed to be done.