Shield Law Issue Referred to QLRC

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said the Bligh Government has decided to refer the issue of shield laws to the Queensland Law Reform Commission for review.

“The Government will ask the QLRC to look at the question of what privileges or protections may be granted in legal proceedings to members of various professions, including journalists, in the exercise of their professional duties,” Mr Shine said.

“I met with members of the media profession and the journalists union last night to discuss their concerns about a Bill before the house.

“Media representatives asked that the Government consider the introduction of shield laws to protect reporters who refuse to reveal important information, such as the identity of their sources, from prosecution.

“I gave a commitment at that meeting that I would continue discussions with media organisations on this issue and would convey their concerns to the Premier.”

Mr Shine said the Government has carefully considered the concerns of the media overnight and this morning has decided to refer the issue of shield laws to the Queensland Law Reform Commission for review.

"The Commission will be asked to have regard to such issues as the limits that any 'shield laws' should be subject to, what legislative change might be needed, and whether such laws exist in other states and if so, how they work."

“The Commission will also be asked to prepare, if relevant, draft legislation based on the Commission’s recommendations,” Mr Shine said.





Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273