Summary
Amends the: Evidence Act 1995 to introduce a privilege during trial and pre-trial stages of civil or criminal proceedings to protect confidential communications between journalists and their sources; James Hardie (Investigations and Proceedings) Act 2004 and Proceeds of Crimes Act 2002 to ensure that the professional confidential relationship privilege under the Evidence Act 1995, Evidence Act (NSW) or a similar law in another State or Territory, does not apply in James Hardie proceedings and in proceeds of crime examinations and subsequent proceedings; and Family Law Act 1975 to ensure that the best interests of the child are paramount when a court is determining whether confidential communications should be disclosed in family law proceedings concerning children.