Here are some useful resources and links for freelance journalists :

Information

Online Defamation Checklist:  Provided by the Arts Law Centre – useful resource

Writers Contracts: Website and campaign with loads of information about contracts for freelance writers particularly in Australia

Journo Advice:  Info site about freelance journalism

Groups / Associations

Australian Centre for Independent Journalism Non-profit organisation that promotes investigative journalism, supports research into journalism and the media & promotes community discussion about the relationship of journalism to political, social and cultural democracy.  Also runs short journalism courses. Based at UTS, members welcome.

Australasian Medical Writers Association (AMWA) is the professional association of medical writers, journalists and editors.

Australian Press Council:  Australian print media’s self-regulatory body, accepts complaints about media activities

Australian Science Communicators : a network of over 500 people working in science & technology communication across Australia and overseas since 1994

Australian Society of Authors: the professional association for Australia’s literary creators, authors and illustrators

Australian Society of Travel Writers: a non-profit organisation of staff and freelance travel writers.

Horticultural Media Association Australia : National media body for gardening writers and photographers.

Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance: The Alliance is the union and professional organisation for  everyone in the media, entertainment, sports and arts industries  including journalists. Members must abide by the Code of Ethics.

NSW Writers’ Centre Not-for-profit incorporated association in that promotes writing-based culture and the rights and interests of writers

SourceBottle: Commercial site, free to journalists, great for getting contacts and sources for feature stories

Sydney Writers’ Centre Commercial organisation which runs short courses on freelance writing and related issues

YouCommNews:  Community funded journalism, Australia-based

Courses

NSW Writers Centre in Rozelle, Sydney offers all sorts of writing courses

Australian Writers’ Centre based in Milsons Point, Sydney and in Melbourne offers writing courses in-house and online

Walkley Foundation, through the Media Alliance also offers training for journalists, in Sydney and other cities