The report of the Independent Audit into the State of Free Speech in Australia,has found that there are 500 pieces of legislation that prevent the press from reporting on certain information.
In particular the report looks at the abuses of the freedom of infromation laws and terrorism laws which have forced journalists to reveal their sources.
In particular as regards anti terrorism legislation
The limits on access by media to court documents and information and an increase in suppression orders are examples where the report finds the principle threatened
Federal secretary Chris Warren was quoted as saying
A free press is the keystone of a healthy democracy, and the most important guarantor of government and corporate accountability is the press. And that it is this report that shows the extent to which Australia has moved away from the ideal democratic model and illustrates the reasons for this country’s distressing slide down the international rankings in terms of free speech.
via Newswatch India
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