MARK DREYFUS 
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
 
MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

AFP ABC RAIDS RULING
 

Today’s Federal Court ruling on the Australian Federal Police raid on the ABC confirms journalists still face the threat of prosecution and jail, just for doing their job.
 
Unlike the Morrison Government, Labor believes in freedom of the press and the public’s right to know.
 
Labor believes police shouldn’t be raiding journalists just because they are embarrassing the government of the day.
 
A strong and independent media is vital to holding governments to account, and Labor will continue to fight to defend and to strengthen press freedom.
 
Security agencies do need the powers to protect us, but that must be balanced with the public’s right to know and the ability of journalists to inform the public and keep the government accountable.
 
Labor came out in support of the Australia’s Right to Know campaign as soon as it launched.
 
Labor has made clear our commitment to freedom of the press and the public’s right to know and we expect the Government to quickly bring forward appropriate legislation that addresses the concerns of the Right to Know coalition.

MONDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2020