Environment and Communications References Committee

The majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Tasmanian Senator Nick McKim (Greens), which means it passed and the inquiry was formed.

Motion text

That the following matters be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by the third sitting day of December 2019:

(a) disclosure and public reporting of sensitive and classified information, including the appropriate regime for warrants regarding journalists and media organisations and adequacy of existing legislation;

(b) the whistleblower protection regime and protections for public sector employees;

(c) the adequacy of referral practices of the Australian Government in relation to leaks of sensitive and classified information;

(d) appropriate culture, practice and leadership for Government and senior public employees;

(e) mechanisms to ensure that the Australian Federal Police have sufficient independence to effectively and impartially carry out their investigatory and law enforcement responsibilities in relation to politically sensitive matters; and

(f) any related matters.