AUSTRALIA needs a consistent set of shield laws to protect journalists with confidential sources amid an unprecedented assault on press freedom, a media union says.
With at least five journalists across the country currently fighting court orders to reveal their sources or face contempt of court convictions, the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) wants the Standing Council on Law and Justice representing attorneys-general across all jurisdictions to create uniform shield laws.
While some states have introduced such laws, many are riddled with inconsistencies and loopholes, and only a uniform approach will give journalists the protection they need to tell stories the public need to hear, MEAA director of media Paul Murphy said.
