Journalists who refuse to reveal their sources when reporting on corruption matters in Queensland have been given greater protection from prosecution.
Shield laws protecting Queensland journalists who refuse to name confidential sources were introduced in late 2022, bringing the state in line with other Australian jurisdictions.
However, those laws did not protect journalists who refuse to reveal sources to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
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New laws extending protections over CCC matters passed parliament on Tuesday.
“Journalists play a critical role in our state, and now they have greater protections both for themselves and their sources,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“I will continue to do what matters for Queensland to improve the accountability and transparency of our agencies.”
Previously, the CCC could legally compel journalists to identify their sources.
Now that cannot be the case unless the watchdog deems it in the public interest — a decision that journalists have the power to dispute in the Queensland Supreme Court.
“These changes ensure journalists and their sources, of which many are concerned whistleblowers, now have further protection in CCC matters,” Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said.