The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security commenced an inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and intelligence powers on the freedom of the press in July of this year. The inquiry aims to ensure the right balance is struck between a free press and Australian national security.

On Thursday 19 September, Head of College, Professor Rory Medcalf with Senior Adviser Katherine Mansted and Visiting Fellow Jacinta Carroll, appeared before the Committee welcoming the opportunity to make a submission. The submission urged the Committee to give due regard to the significant role that public interest and investigative journalism play in protecting Australia’s national interest, emphasising that Australia’s most pressing security challenges require a whole-of-society response.

The National Security College is thankful for the opportunity and proud to have its staff support the Committee in its work. The full transcripts, Submissions 9 and 24, are avialable on the PJCIS website below.