The identity of whistleblowers' and journalists' confidential sources will be protected under new laws passed in Queensland today.
The laws, known as shield laws, prevent journalists from being compelled to reveal the identity of their sources during court proceedings, and they come as part of a package of reforms passed in Queensland parliament.
Queensland was previously the only Australian jurisdiction without shield laws.
Under the new legislation, journalists are granted what is known as a "qualified privilege" which excludes journalists from having to give evidence or disclose information if doing so will reveal the identity of a confidential informant.
It also extends to people who have worked with a journalist on a story, such as camera operators or editors.
However, the privilege can be overturned if the Supreme Court decides identifying the source is in the public's interest.
And the shield laws will not apply to Crime and Corruption Commission hearings.
The opposition moved an amendment to the act to extend the shield law to Crime and Corruption hearings.
While it was supported by the Greens and Katter's Australian Party, it was voted down 48 to 34.
"The LNP believes there is no compelling reason why shield laws cannot be applied to the CCC," Shadow Attorney-General Tim Nicholls said.
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