Union seeks uniform journalist shield laws

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.

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Abbott is tied to his 'cool dude' uniform

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has denied using Botox, saying his secret was exercising every day. Source: AAP

TONY Abbott rates himself among the world's coolest dudes in politics and says he's got the threads to prove it.

The opposition leader almost constantly wears a "uniform" of pale blue tie, dark suit and white shirt.

On Thursday he defended his choice, saying blue was the coalition's traditional colour.

"I did notice a couple of years ago that Barack Obama and David Cameron, who are two of the coolest dudes in politics, tended to dress with a dark suit, a white shirt and a blue tie," he told Sydney radio 2SM's John Laws program.

"I thought well, look, if it's good for them it's probably good for me.

"If you've got more or less the same uniform on every day, people they just take it for granted and your appearance doesn't become something that people talk about."

Mr Abbott also denied using Botox, saying his secret to looking good was simply getting up early and exercising every day.

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