One From the Archives: Peter Greste on Our Wall of Secrecy

Who gets to defend the public’s right to know—and when do they need permission?

After ABC journalist and union president Michael Slezak faced possible disciplinary action over an article opposing restrictions on access to company directors’ information, we revisit a conversation about press freedom with award-winning journalist Peter Greste.

Originally broadcast in November 2023, Greste joins then Fourth Estate host Anthony Dockrill to examine Australia’s secrecy laws, the vulnerability of journalists and whistleblowers, and the chilling effect of legal threats on public interest reporting.

Drawing on his experience of spending 400 days imprisoned in Egypt, Greste argues for stronger protections for journalism—and asks what the public loses when important stories become too risky to pursue.

Introduced by Tina Quinn with context on this week’s ABC dispute and the staff pushback that followed.

Please note: the legal developments, cases and figures discussed in the archive interview reflect November 2023.

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