Free speech and media freedom in Australia are being eroded by legal restrictions and a secretive culture among public officials, according to this audit by the former NSW ombudsman. Commissioned by a coalition of major media groups, the Audit says there are 500 pieces of legislation and at least 1000 court suppression orders in force that restrict media reporting or the release of information to the public.  They were part of a ?growing culture of secrecy, defensiveness and mutual mistrust? on the part of government and other public bodies, according to the report