article_snippet: In the days when I was a journalist there were no metadata protections for journalists,' a journalist stated to a gathering of reporters on Wednesday.
article_snippet: But if you do the math, a journalist argument simply does not stack up.
article_snippet: Australian Press Council chairman David Weisbrot, has expressed Australian Press Council chairman David Weisbrot concern new metadata laws could crush investigative journalism and dissuade whistle-blowers from coming forward. '
article_snippet: A healthy democratic society requires robust free speech and a free and vigorous press to hold governments and other powerful interests to account,' Australian Press Council chairman David Weisbrot said. '
article_snippet: The worry for journalists is that sources might be hesitant to come forward knowing that metadata could lead investigators to investigators door. '
article_snippet: These are not hypothetical concerns,' Australian Press Council chairman David Weisbrot said.
article_snippet: Australian Press Council chairman David Weisbrot said governments were increasingly chasing down leaks and stripping away whistle-blower protections. '
article_snippet: These legitimate concerns cannot be addressed effectively short of exempting journalists and media organisations.'
article_snippet: A parliamentary committee recommended in February the laws be passed, but called for safeguards for journalists.
article_snippet: A parliamentary committee recommended in February recommended the issue of protecting journalists' sources be referred to a separate inquiry to report to parliament within three months.
highlights_snippet: Prime Minister says journalists should not hold any fear of the new metadata laws giving up sources .
  