Presentation to

1

• Presentation to
• PANPA
• Lucinda Duckett
• Editorial Communications Manager, News Ltd
• 10 September 2008

2
Where we were - 2006

• Concern at a deterioration of freedom of speech
• Australia 35th on 2006 international index
  behind Bolivia and Bosnia (NZ is 9th)
  
• Suppression orders - more than 1000 at a time
• FoI - emasculated and unworkable
• Journalists pursued for their sources some
  convicted
  
• Whistleblowers pursued, charged and convicted

3
What happened - 2007

• Election year
• Formed Right to Know
• Commissioned the Moss Report
• Lobbying
• Renewed media attention
• Kevin Rudd announced free speech policy

4
Where were at - 2008

• Dialogue with governments opposition
• 2020 Summit free speech on the radar
• Research into suppression orders report
  recommendations due October
  
• Right to Know conference November 19
• Traction on FoI, whistleblowers, etc
• Momentum

5
The issues Freedom of Information

• Conclusive certificates abolished soon
• Draft FoI legislation by the end of the year
• New law likely in 2009
• Promise of an Information Commissioner
• The States Solomon Report in Qld Ombudsmans
  review in NSW

6
The issues suppression orders

• SCAG agreed to national register
• Planned review of how orders granted
• Recommendations due in independent report
  commissioned by RTK
  
• Need cultural change as well

7
The issues whistleblowers

• House of Reps inquiry now
• Aims to improve protection for commonwealth
  employees
  
• RTK wants protection for any public interest
  disclosure
  
• Opposition to any disclosure still entrenched in
  parts of government

8
The issues journalists sources

• Very limited protection
• Police still raiding newsrooms
• Judicial discretion in need of reform
• Public interest test is vital
• State-based crime commissions have extraordinary
  powers
  
• Current focus WA, NSW, Qld

9
The issues privacy

• Law Reform Commission recommends a legislated
  right of privacy. 5kg report.
  
• Problem needs to be balanced with freedom of
  speech
  
• Existing legislation (trespass defamation etc)
  covers many situations
  
• Mistakes dont justify a statutory right

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What next?

• Maintain momentum
• Labor to deliver on FoI promises
• Lock in apparent FoI gains in Queensland
• Push for reform in the States
• Cultural change throughout

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• Questions?