On 4 July 2019, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security commenced an inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press. The inquiry was referred by the Attorney-General, The Hon Christian Porter MP who noted that the Government will consider proposals from media organisations and interested bodies which aim to ensure the right balance is struck between a free press and keeping Australians safe.
For further information about the inquiry see the full terms of reference.
As notified in the media release of 13 December 2019, due to the tendering of late submissions requiring further deliberations by the Committee, the inquiry will not report until 2020. The impact of COVID-19 has also impacted on the Committee's ability to report. The inquiry is still ongoing.
Please note that the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee is currently conducting an inquiry that touches on some similar issues to this inquiry, including the freedom of the press, disclosure of information and law enforcement frameworks. Details about this separate inquiry and its terms of reference can be found here.
Making a submission
The Committee invites written submissions addressing any or all of the terms of reference for the Committee’s inquiry. Submissions should clearly identify which terms are being addressed.
Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee. Documents published prior to being authorised by the Committee may not be accepted as submissions to the inquiry. Documents do not attract parliamentary privilege until they are accepted by the Committee.
Submissions were originall requested by 26 July 2019, however further submissions may be accepted by the Committee if tendered after this date. Further information about making a submission to a parliamentary committee inquiry is available here.