Federal court changes to journalist access labelled ‘attack on press freedom’
Changes made by the federal court last Friday, restricting access to some court documents, have been denounced as an “an attack on press freedom” and something which runs against the principles of open justice by well-known professor of journalism and media freedom activist, Peter Greste.
Implemented without consultation, the new rules prevent journalists from accessing documents including statements of claim, originating applications, interlocutory applications and defences until first or directions hearings.
Greste told Mumbrella the decision was “an attack on press freedom and runs against the principles of open justice”.
