The Alliance is making a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Provisions of the Anti-Terrorism (No. 2) Bill 2005, calling for the removal of sedition provisions and urging the adoption of professional privilege for journalists. Broadly defined sedition provisions within the proposed legislation threaten to erode free speech and artistic expression.

Any person or organisation could be charged with sedition without, as existing law requires, having urged force or violence.

“Sedition is an obsolete law that should be dropped,” said Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance federal secretary, Christopher Warren.

“History teaches us when sedition laws are used, they are used to silence writers, journalists and creators. They are tools of censorship, not of public protection. The real danger is that in ‘modernising sedition’ its use will become widespread.”

The Alliance’s submission urges a relaxation of the secrecy provisions that impose a blanket ban on reporting on people detained under the Act, punishable by five years imprisonment.

“People in the media industries understand the need to get the balance right between national security and basic freedom. These laws tilt the balance too far towards authoritarianism,” he said.

The submission also urges the adoption of professional privilege for journalists where notice to produce provisions threaten to force journalists to hand over information, including the identity of confidential sources.

“Since September 11, 2001, the media has had to confront a raft of anti-terror laws, pressures to reveal their sources, ineffective Freedom of Information laws and increased restrictions on reporting matters of national security.” said Warren.

“This is yet another attack on free speech and open public debate. Before this Bill is passed amendments should be made to ensure that the media is not prevented from doing their job properly.”

Draft amendments to the Bill will be submitted by the Alliance that will give effect to these recommendations.