David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Hansard source

I also indicate that this amendment moved by Senator Ludlam is identical to the amendment which was moved by me. I can assure the Attorney-General that, had the shield laws been introduced when I was a senator, there is absolutely no chance that I would have voted against them—absolutely no chance at all. I am grateful that the Attorney-General acknowledges that it is an issue that there are different definitions of 'journalism'. The one that has been chosen here is the one taken from the Evidence Act, not the Criminal Code. We prefer it.

I certainly would encourage the Attorney-General to move towards a consistent definition of journalism in Commonwealth legislation at the earliest opportunity—and today is a good one.