Editorial: Stand up for your right to know

The move aims to push the Federal Government into lifting its veil of secrecy. It follows more than 60 pieces of legislation introduced over the past two decades which effectively criminalise journalism and penalise whistleblowing, even when they reveal wrongdoing or important information about decisions the government is making.

New research reveals that 87 per cent of Australians value a free and transparent democracy where the public is kept informed. Sadly, only 37 per cent believe this is happening in Australia today.

For the first time, leading media organisations have come together to defend the threat to every Australian's right to know. The campaign shines a light on the continued threat to media freedom, which hinder attempts to hold powerful people and organisations to account by intimidating and harshly punishing those who dare to speak out.

"Australia is at risk of becoming the world's most secretive democracy. We've seen the public's right to know slowly erode over the past two decades, with the introduction of laws that make it more difficult for people to speak up when they see wrongdoing and for journalists to report these stories", said the ABC's managing director David Anderson in a statement.

"No one is above the law but something in our democracy is not working as it should when we fail to protect people acting in the public interest."

The media coalition is seeking legislative changes so journalists don't fear imprisonment for doing their job. These would also force the government to weigh the public interest before applying for search warrants and launching prosecutions.

The reforms propose effective protection for those who speak out, ensuring there are systems in place to limit government secrecy.

They continue to participate in government inquiries into press freedom and await the findings of these later this year, but are also calling on Australians to voice their concerns and stand up for their right to know.