Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I indicate that I will support the amendment—a broader definition of 'journalist'—but I do want to acknowledge the Attorney's role in terms of journalist shield laws. In fact, I put it in my own amendments to the bill, along with the member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, around the same time. I think in terms of the raw politics of it, the fact that the coalition in opposition was prepared to support it, prompted the government of the day to bring that forward, and I think Senator Ludwig did play a very constructive role with respect to that. I am grateful to the Attorney for the role he has played in journalist shield laws, from opposition. You do not have to be in government to come up with good ideas, Attorney. I think that puts it in an historical context. Journalists are in a better position as a result of those shield laws, but my concern is that with the metadata laws they may be in a worse position.