State Defers Shield Reforms

By Michael Owen
The Australian
November 20, 2012

www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/state-defers-shield-reforms/story-e6frgczx-1226520715781

SHIELD laws to protect journalists, professionals and whistleblowers from revealing their sources cannot be considered in South Australia because of Julia Gillard's royal commission into child sexual abuse, the Weatherill government says.

South Australian Attorney-General and Acting Premier John Rau yesterday said "matters concerning disclosure" related to the commission, announced by the Prime Minister last Monday, meant he could not consider drafting state legislation to provide legal protection for journalists and other professionals who did not want to reveal details about confidential discussions they had with sources or clients.