The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) is conducting a corruption investigation as a matter relevant to the performance of its functions. It issued an attendance notice requiring the applicant to attend the hearing to give evidence. The applicant refused to answer questions at the commission hearing on the basis that as a journalist they could claim ‘privilege’ against disclosing confidential sources of information as it is within public interest immunity.
The court held, inter alia, that public interest immunity does not extend to a journalist’s obligation not to disclose confidential sources of information and that the Crime and Corruption Commission Act does not infringe the implied Constitutional freedom of speech in relation to political and governmental matters.
Rob Anderson QC (with P Morreau) appeared for the applicant, instructed by Ashurst.
The judgment is published here.
