Seven West Media welcomed the change to the legislation being introduced into the House of Representatives that would require a warrant to access journalists’ information and the important requirement to consider the public interest.
Seven West Media chief executive officer Tim Worner (pictured) said: “This is a significant breakthrough for the Australian media and the public. Whilst ultimately a balancing act, these changes to the proposed laws help address a long standing concern about the need to protect journalists sources and the critical importance of a free press to our democracy.
Journalists play a critical role in the administration of good government and to do that they must be able to communicate freely with confidential sources and whistleblowers without fear of reprisal. We are greatly relieved that this important principle has been recognised today. More work is required but today is a wonderful start.”