I felt it was my job to deliver news to my listeners that was in their rights to know. Sometimes getting an answer was near impossible.

It turns out this is becoming increasingly the case for journalists across the country. Ministers are refusing to answer questions, and the government is using the criminal law to intimidate people who embarrass them, including journalists and whistleblowers.

Requests for information are being ignored by the government and its departments - despite it being a legal obligation for them to comply.

We were all appalled when a journalist's home was raided after she published a story about the government's plan to spy on Australians online, followed by raids on the ABC headquarters for their investigation that humiliated the government.

This week, several media outlets launched a campaign called "Australia's Right to Know". When the majority of media outlets in this country come together to bring awareness to an issue, you know it's something to take seriously.

The media plays a vital role in telling the public what's really going on. But journalists and whistleblowers in Australia live in fear of criminal charges, police raids and damaging court battles that threaten their professional careers and personal freedom.

Over the last few months, the Morrison Government has become more determined than ever to keep certain information secret from the public, ranging from the serious and significant - like abuse and neglect in aged care, and freedom of information requests regarding the sale of agricultural land to foreign buyers - to the mundane, such as attempts to stop a journalist from getting a copy of the dining room menu at Parliament House.

The government is elected to serve in the best interest of Australians. Strong and independent media is vital to holding the elected government and the opposition parties to account.

I stand with journalists who fight to defend and to strengthen press freedom. If you'd like to know more about this campaign, go to www.yourrighttoknow.com.au.