New rules that ban journalists at Tasmania's Parliament from lingering in corridors and talking to MPs have been described as heavy handed and a threat to democracy.
The guidelines were issued by Speaker Sue Hickey and affect members of the House of Assembly, but Ms Hickey has not responded to questions about whether she oversaw them.
Under the guidelines, the media is prohibited form "lingering in the corridors in the vicinity" of the House of Assembly Chamber, Committee Rooms, the Atrium, Ministerial Offices, party rooms or individual rooms of Members of the House of Assembly.
"In these areas, the media may not seek to engage members in conversation," the document states.
"As a general rule, members of the media wishing to speak with a member should make an appointment by telephone."
The rule effectively means journalists are banned from talking to MPs in most areas of the Tasmanian Parliament. The guidelines also prohibit the media filming anywhere in the building, without the permission of the Speaker.
What can be filmed inside the House of Assembly even when permitted is also limited.
The guidelines are the first time restrictions on Parliamentary coverage and interactions with politicians have been documented and distributed to media outlets, with previous limitations on reporters and camera crews communicated through sporadic emails or memoranda.
Media can only film or take photos in the first 10 minutes of Question Time, and cannot document MPs not engaged in debate, interjections from other members, or the public gallery.
"In case of general disorder or un-parliamentary behaviour by a member/members on the floor of the House, coverage must revert to the Speaker or Chair."
The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance's (MEAA) Tasmanian president Mark Thomas said the media should have been consulted about the guidelines.
"Everybody knows that the hour of Question Time, is really an open time for media for the opposition parties to ask questions of the government, to hold them to account."
Mr Thomas said it would limit the ability of journalists to hold politicians to account.
"The perception of it could be that it is an attempt to stymie democracy. That's the media's job, to ask questions of members of parliament."
Independent Legislative Council Member Ruth Forrest called the guidelines heavy handed and an attempt to avoid scrutiny and media reporting.
"If there is nothing to hide, why would they be worried about facing a question from the media. It is potentially thwarting proper comment, and is a challenge to proper media comment."
Former Labor premier Lara Giddings has questioned the need for tighter guidelines, saying the media is generally respectful.
"They generally don't approach MPs in the corridors, unless there have been extraordinary circumstances, such as an important bill that finished late into the night."
Ms Giddings said "if anything, it could be argued there is not enough of it now".
A spokesman for the Opposition said Labor had not been consulted and had not seen the guidelines.
"But the section we have seen about media not lingering in the corridors, is certainly something that we do not support," the spokesperson said.
A spokeswoman for the Greens said at first glance there were some problems with the guidelines, and would raise the issues with the Speaker.
