Queensland shield law consultation

In July 2021 the Queensland Government consulted with the academics, the media and legal experts on introducing laws to protect the confidentiality of journalists’ sources (known as ‘shield laws’). Queensland is the only Australian jurisdiction with no form of protection that a journalist can rely on in court to protect anonymous sources, and so the consultation sought evidence of best practice from other states and territories.

Submission to the consultation

• The definition of a ‘journalist’, in determining who can access the protection, is critical. The existing definition used in Commonwealth and ACT shield laws is most appropriate, with the caveat that it should apply to all people within the news production process – editors, camera operators, technicians and others who may have legitimate need to use it.
• Shield laws should apply in any setting where a journalist can be compelled to provide evidence that could identify a confidential source. This includes trial proceedings, preliminary proceedings, tribunals, police investigations, coronial inquests and others.
• A shield should only be overriden in rare and exceptional circumstances, with consideration of factors such as the harm that a source might face if their identity were revealed; the future ability of journalists to receive information from sources; the public interest and whether the relevant evidence could be obtained in another manner.

Project team