According to the organisations - which include SBS, the ABC, Nine, News Corp Australia and The Guardian - a slew of laws introduced over the past 20 years have hindered the media's capacity to act as the fourth estate and hold the government and other powerful figures to account.
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New research shows three quarters of Australians believe journalists should be protected from prosecution - but what happens when society's right to know is compromised?A Senate communications committee is currently investigating the issue of press freedom and whistle-blower protection as journalists face increased scrutiny while doing their jobs.
