Committee to scrutinise the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press.

The inquiry was referred by the Attorney-General, Christian Porter MP, on July 4, 2019, for the PJCIS to inquire into the Terms of Reference.

The Committee has been requested to report back to both Houses of Parliament by 17 October 2019.

Chair, Mr Hastie, said," The government has referred this inquiry based on concerns raised in relation to recent search warrants executed on members of the press, and the issue of balancing national security with the freedom of the press.

"This inquiry will allow the Committee to hear from the media, government agencies and other interested stakeholders as to the direct impact of these powers on civil society and their importance to both national security and the public interest. We will consider these issues closely and carefully."

The Committee has invited written submissions to this inquiry, to be received by Friday, July 26, 2019.

Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

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