Terror law risks press freedom
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has defended the Government's counterterrorism laws against claims they imperil democracy by threatening journalists with long jail terms.
Under the laws, journalists face 10 years jail if they report on so-called special intelligence operations, even those Australian security agencies have bungled.
In a joint submission to the parliamentary committee on intelligence and security, _The West Australian _, Fairfax, News Corp Australia, the ABC and other media organisations said having serious criminal offences for journalists "doing their job" would have a chilling effect on free speech.
Ms Bishop said the move was designed to cover gaps in Australia's counterterrorism laws.
"This law is not targeted at journalists," she told ABC radio. "It's not about reporting on the operation of intelligence agencies.
"It's about intentionally disclosing information about a covert operation, for example, that could put Australian lives at risk.
"Journalists can of course continue to report on unfolding events."
Ms Bishop said the laws were becoming increasingly urgent with a clear and present threat to Australians from an increasing number of young, radicalised Australians supporting terrorist groups.
Under the Foreign Fighters Act, which passed the Senate yesterday, it is an offence for someone to publish an advertisement or an "item of news" that is "procured by the provision or promise of money or any other consideration" for the purpose of recruiting people to a foreign army.
It is also an offence for someone to advertise or use a paid-for "item of news" to promote a place where or how people can apply to serve in an armed foreign force.
A Government source said the new provisions reflected almost identical elements of the Foreign Incursion Act of 1978 under which no journalists had been prosecuted.
West Australian Newspapers group editor-in-chief Bob Cronin said Government assurances that the laws were not targeted at journalists amounted to "trust us, we're from the Government".
"Frankly, I don't trust any government when it comes to erosion of our freedoms," Cronin said.
"No one disputes the need for tough measures to combat terrorism, but these laws have far-reaching consequences for the media and don't strike a proper balance between legitimate national security concerns and the public interest.
"It is clear that agents working undercover should be protected from media exposure. But that should not mean that matters of legitimate public interest cannot be addressed."
Cronin said there was no time limit to restrictions on the media, nor was there protection for news organisations that inadvertently published community notices that turned out to be related to a terror group. There were potentially massive costs involved to make sure advertisements complied.
'I don't trust any government when it comes to erosion of our freedoms.'" West Australian Newspapers editor-in-chief *Bob Cronin *
