A special Senate Inquiry into Press Freedom, chaired by Senator Hanson Young, has been welcomed by ABC Friends National as an opportunity for a broad debate about the current state of Australian media and related security laws.

It is reassuring to see so many parliamentarians taking these proactive steps to protect Australian journalists.

Firstly, Labor Senator Kristina Keneally tried to set up a joint committee to inquire in Australian Press Freedom, but this was rejected by the Government who instead are relying on the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security to conduct a review.

Secondly, Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick initiated legislation to introduce a first amendment to the Australian Constitution to protect press freedom and freedom of speech. South Australian Member Rebekha Sharkie will introduce this legislation in the House of Representatives next Monday.

Thirdly, independent Tasmanian Member Andrew Wilkie will present the Inaugural Media Freedom Lecture in the Parliamentary Theatre next Tuesday, July 30.

Clearly this level of activity in the Parliament reflects the concern of many Australians regarding the use of current laws to intimidate journalists reporting in the public interest.

Margaret Reynolds
President
ABC Friends National

[email protected]
Ph: 0418 181 843 or 0447 735 156

24th July 2019