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As Australias biggest publishers and broadcasters prepare a media blitz against the Federal Governments Data Retention Bill, a top WA media academic has warned Australias democracy and people will be the biggest losers if the Bill becomes law.

Curtin Universitys Journalism Department head Joseph Fernandez said this week if journalists, confidential sources and whistleblowers suffer as a result of the law, ultimately the public would suffer, too.

In fact, even our elected representatives will suffer because they too rely on confidentiality to carry out their work effectively, he said.

The Data Retention Bill is the third wave of national security laws introduced by the Abbott Government, and would force Australian telecommunications companies, including internet service providers, to store data including telephone call logs and email records, for two years.

The proposals have been widely criticised for going too far, making it virtually impossible for journalists to do their jobs and keep sources confidential.

Chief executives from major news organisations, including Seven West Medias Tim Worner, have already publicly condemned that aspect of law. Others plan to front a Parliamentary hearing next Friday to express outrage at Attorney-General George Brandis lack of consultation over the legislation.

Dr Fernandez accused the Government of a cart-before-the-horse approach to law-making.

If this Bill is passed without protection for journalists confidential sources it will pull the carpet from under the feet of the Fourth Estate and cause serious damage to government transparency and accountability, he said.

It will also severely undermine the very protections introduced through shield law to protect journalists and their confidential sources.

A joint parliamentary committee last month recommended the Bill be passed, despite acknowledging the impact on press freedom and journalists sources.

Excerpt from:
Democracy 'a loser' in data retention