A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press has recommended measures to improve public interest protections and transparency, with a report tabled today.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press has recommended measures to improve public interest protections and transparency, with a report tabled today. Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, Andrew Hastie, said the Committee acknowledges the role of a free press, and that the investigation or prosecution of journalists and media organisations can affect the perception of the freedom of the press in Australia. ‘Our report recommends that the role of Australia’s Public Interest Advocates be expanded to consider a broader range of warrant applications that may affect journalists and media organisations in instances of unauthorised disclosure of information,’ Mr Hastie said. The report also includes recommendations for additional transparency in warrant applications, and recommendations related to the Public Interest Disclosure scheme which allows public officials who suspect wrongdoing to report their concerns. These reforms are aimed at ensuring that appropriate avenues exist for Commonwealth officials to raise their concerns before it is necessary to approach external parties. ‘The issues related to law enforcement, intelligence powers and press freedoms are complex, and this inquiry has allowed the Committee to examine a range of matters in great detail,’ Mr Hastie said. ‘This is an evolving area of law, and the Committee welcomes recent steps taken by Government to bolster the decision-making process when journalists and media organisations are involved in the investigation and prosecution of unauthorised disclosure of information.’ The report can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has received detailed new evidence to its Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press which has necessitated a further extension to its reporting timeframe.

Media release issue date: Friday, 13 December 2019

  The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has received detailed new evidence to its Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press which has necessitated a further extension to its reporting timeframe. Australia’s Right to Know (ARTK) coalition of media companies tendered a supplementary submission to the PJCIS’s inquiry on Tuesday, one week before the Committee intended to deliver its report. This submission and its attachments contain detailed proposed amendments to fundamental parts of Commonwealth law enforcement and intelligence legislation. The Committee also expects to soon receive a further submission from the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Federal Police. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said ‘The Committee has been working to thoroughly consider the issues presented to it since July. This late submission from ARTK provides additional detailed evidence on the position of the major media stakeholders to this inquiry. The Committee also expects to receive a further submission from relevant Government agencies. The Committee will therefore not report next week but will wait to properly consider these new submissions.’ The Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP, said ‘The complexity of the issues being considered in this inquiry has challenged the Committee’s ability to deliver a report in the timelines it was provided, and even within the timelines it has set for itself. In order for the Committee to consider this new detailed evidence and test government and societal opinion for the proposals put forward, the Committee will have to extend its inquiry timeline into next year.’ Mr Hastie added ‘The Committee will consider this new evidence and expects to report early in the new year.’ Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP (Holt, Vic) on (03) 9796 7533 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4309 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, (02) 6277 2360 or pjcis@aph.gov.au.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is busy finalising its consideration of the Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 21 November 2019

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is busy finalising its consideration of the Inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press. The Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said ‘The Committee has received considerable evidence from submitters and witnesses regarding the media and their ability to operate effectively within Australia’s democratic society. All members are endeavouring to achieve a bipartisan report, which delivers tangible areas for reform and consideration. This will not be possible by the end of November.’ The Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP, said ‘As this inquiry has progressed, the complexity and nuances of the issues raised have become acutely emphasised to the Committee. The ability for the Committee to make targeted recommendations is reliant on time, and the Committee would rather report later to ensure that occurs.’ The Committee has written to the Attorney-General informing him of the later reporting requirement, with the undertaking to present a report in the week before Christmas at the latest. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries: Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP (Canning, WA) on (08) 9534 8044 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4223 (Parliament House) Deputy Chair, Hon Anthony Byrne MP (Holt, Vic) on (03) 9796 7533 (Electorate office) or (02) 6277 4309 (Parliament House) For background information: Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au