Frequently asked questions

I work in an area where it would be very easy to identify me as the reporter – how does the legislation protect me?

A person who, in the course of duty, becomes aware of the identity of a reporter, must not disclose identifying information to another person unless one of the exceptions in section 124F applies. A person who breaches section 124F may be liable to a penalty of $24,000 and imprisonment for 2 years.

Examples of exceptions in section 124F include where the reporter has given written consent for a disclosure or where disclosure is made to a police officer for an investigation of an offence in relation to a child.