WA: Supreme Court rules against mining magnate

The Supreme Court in Perth has ruled that West Australian Newspapers does not have to reveal its sources in relation to a series of stories about mining billionaire Gina Rinehart.

Ms Rinehart had taken legal action against West Australian Newspapers over stories featuring her son John Hancock.

She was seeking access to details of communications between her son and reporter Steve Pennells.

But in a judgment handed down today, Justice Janine Pritchard said Ms Rinehart's subpoena should be set aside as it is oppressive and an abuse of process.

Outside the court, Pennells said the judgement was a relief.

"Having this over your head for 18 months is a big weight on your shoulders," he said.

"But I've had great support from the paper, great support from the union, other journalists in Australia and overseas, it's been amazing. So that's helped a lot."

He described the judgment as a good one for the profession of journalism.

"Not only is it a weight off my shoulders, but it's enshrined in a judgment the things that we hold sacred in journalism: the right to protect sources, the right for people to be able to come to us and tell us things and not be worried that someone can use a court to try and get at them," he said.