Anna Bligh's secret Q2 strategy - create CMC 'star chamber' ...

Amendment quietly slipped into Criminal Code.

Wants government whistleblowers unmasked.

9 September 2008

NEW laws to force journalists to breach their code of ethics and reveal their sources are set to be debated in State Parliament this week.

The Bligh Government has quietly slipped a clause into amendments to the Criminal Code that will effectively mean journalists must answer question in Crime and Misconduct “star chamber” hearings.

According to the legislation’s explanatory notes, the amendment “provides that witnesses in misconduct investigation hearings must answer questions put to them by the presiding officer’’.

“The witness is not entitled to remain silent or refuse to answer a question on a ground of privilege, other than legal professional privilege, public interest immunity or parliamentary privilege.’’

If passed, the new laws will force journalists to answer questions and expose government whistleblowers.
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See - Courier Mail - Bligh's 'star chamber' attack on journalists.

Part of Anna Bligh's desperate attempt to stay in power.

This measure wasn't part of Anna's glossy Q2 PR release ...