Journalist facing jail for refusing to reveal source as AG considers 'shield laws'
A journalist is facing the threat of prosecution for refusing to reveal the source of a confidential tip that led to television reporting of an arrest.
Queensland is the only remaining state without legal protections for refusing to reveal the identity of informants, making it a crime to uphold journalistic ethics.
"Shield laws" not only protect journalists, but the right of Queenslanders to see injustices revealed, corruption exposed and confidential sources protected.
A journalist is facing the threat of prosecution for refusing to reveal the source of a confidential tip that led to television reporting of an arrest. Bloomberg via Getty Images
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The journalist, who can only be referred to as "journalist F" is being threatened with jail time unless he reveals his source.
The Attorney-General has pledged to introduce new laws later this year.
The Attorney-General has pledged to introduce new laws later this year. 9News
"We want Queenslanders to come forward, we want them and their families to be protected," Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said.
"We need laws that will better protect Queenslanders."
A discussion paper has been released online with a call for public submissions.
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