The Prime Minister has offered a major concession to get support for anti-terror laws that could affect media freedom.
There's been concern from major media organisations and opposition parties that journalists may not be able to protect confidential sources under government plans to store phone and internet metadata for two years.
The Government had referred the issue to the Joint Parliamentary Committee of Intelligence and Security for inquiry and reported by June 4.
But, in a fresh bid to get Labor's support, Tony Abbott has offered to amend legislation so law enforcement agencies seeking to identify a source will be required to obtain a warrant to access a journalist's metadata.
In a letter to Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, the Prime Minister said the government did not believe it was necessary "but is proposing to accept it to expedite the bill".
Mr Shorten wrote to Mr Abbott on Sunday warning he was reserving the opposition's right to amend the bill.
The government says the metadata laws will ensure law enforcement agencies have the appropriate tools to tackle terrorism and organised crime.
The Government is hoping to pass the legislation this week.
Share
