Law enforcement agencies will need a warrant from a Supreme or Federal Court judge before raiding journalists under a range of press freedom reforms agreed to by the Morrison government.made by the Parliament's intelligence and security committee, following its inquiry into the impact of law enforcement powers on the freedom of the press.Alex Ellinghausen
ABC managing director David Anderson said the broadcaster also "remains concerned" that journalists and whistleblowers could be raided in connection with their work. In line with the committee's recommendations, the government will also draft new laws to expand the role of a public interest advocate to contest agencies' applications for warrants against journalists and media outlets for publication of leaked material in breach of secrecy laws.The changes will also ensure the advocate role can only be fulfilled by someone who is senior counsel, a former judge, or who have served at least five years in the role.
The Alliance for Journalists' Freedom welcomed the government's move on Wednesday as a "good start", but said a separate Act was needed to legislate press freedom to counter the weight of national security laws passed in recent years."A media freedom Act is needed as a buffer against all the legislation that has been created to keep Australia safe but has unfortunately weakened presse freedom," AJF chair Peter Wilkinson said.