The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is to take the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to court to demand the return of journalists’ files seized in a raid on ABC offices earlier this month.
Managing Director of the ABC, David Anderson (pictured) said the claim had been made in the Federal Court of Australia, applying for the warrant that authorised the AFP to take the files to be set aside.
“It is important that Australians be advised of this action and of the determination of the ABC to defend our journalists and the crucial work they do informing the public,” Mr Anderson said.
“The ABC is asking the Court for a declaration that the warrant was invalid on several technical grounds that underline the fundamental importance of investigative journalism and protection of confidential sources,” he said.
“We are also challenging the constitutional validity of the warrant on the basis that it hinders our implied freedom of political communication.”
Mr Anderson said the ABC’s claim was for a permanent injunction to prevent the AFP accessing the material it seized and to return it immediately.
He said it was currently being held by the AFP in sealed envelopes.
“The ABC will be using every avenue over the next few weeks to defend the actions of its journalists and to seek legislative changes that protect the media’s ability to report on matters of public interest,” Mr Anderson said.
He said a full hearing on the matter was not expected until late July or early August and the AFP had given an undertaking not to access the files until the proceedings are determined.
Mr Anderson is due to speak at the National Press Club in Canberra tomorrow (Wednesday 26 June) with fellow media executives Michael Miller of News Corp and the CEO of the Nine network, Hugh Marks.
“Collectively and individually, we are committed to working constructively with the Government to address weaknesses in the legal protections for journalists and whistle blowers and to push for meaningful, urgent reform,” he said.
