The AJF commends the Albanese Government for reforming secrecy laws

The Albanese government has introduced a bill that, if passed, would significantly reform Australia’s deep culture of secrecy and improve the ability of journalists to report on the inner workings of government.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has documented arrests, censorship, and intimidation of journalists reporting on the conflict across the Middle East. Reporters have been detained, newsrooms pressured, and internet shutdowns used to restrict the flow of information. Press freedom is essential during conflict. When journalists are silenced, independent reporting disappears - making it harder to verify events, document abuses, and hold governments accountable.