Freedom of the press and the role of journalists within democracies has never been under such sustained attack. Think of Julian Assange, Witness K, Bernard Collaery, David McBride, Richard Boyle, the AFP raids on the ABC and News Corp’s Annika Smethurst.

Join us for this online broadcast with Quentin Dempster AM, former Chair of the Walkley Foundation and veteran journalist, broadcaster and author, in conversation with University of South Australia's Professor Rick Sarre.

Quentin has joined other prominent Australian journalists in proposing a Media Freedom Act to legislatively protect journalists and their informants and sources when they strive to alert us to matters the public has a right to know about. Such a measure would not put journalists and publishers above the law, but would enshrine in Australian law for the first time specific provisions ensuring the public’s right to know.  

We encourage ABC Friends everywhere to register now for this joint event being co-run by ABC Friends SA/NT and University of South Australia's Bob Hawke Centre.

When you register you will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panel to discuss.

This event will be broadcast on Thursday 19 November, 6pm to 7:15pm (CDT).

More information on this event is available here.

You can view a recording of the event here: