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Queensland’s 24-hour backflip on media laws
The Queensland government has backflipped on controversial media laws which, had they been passed, would have put journalists behind bars for corruption reporting.
Naomi Neilson
Less than 24 hours after it was lodged in Parliament, the Palaszczuk government has withdrawn legislation that would have prevented journalists from reporting on potential corruption complaints in the lead up to the state’s October election.
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Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath confirmed the legislation had been withdrawn, citing the parliamentary committee would not have the time to consider the legislation proposed by the Crime and Corruption Commission. This follows harsh criticism from media and lawyers on the effect the new laws could have on freedom of information.
“The government respects the recommendations of the CCC,” Ms D’Ath said in a short statement. “However, given limited time for the parliamentary legal affairs committee to consider the law changes the CCC seeks, the CCC bill is withdrawn.”
The now-withdrawn bill could have had the potential to impose a six-month prison term on journalists who published complaints to the state’s corruption watchdog during the election campaign. Experts theorised that it would have been one of the strongest and toughest restrictions on media reporting during an election period.
When introducing the bill to the State Parliament, Ms D’Ath said: “Queenslanders have a right to be fully and reliably informed in relation to relevant matters as they head for the polls, not distracted by publication of fanciful allegations and complaints.”
