The federal government has released proposed changes to controversial spying laws aimed at protecting whistleblowers and journalists who reveal national secrets from severe jail terms.

Legislation targeting foreign states trying to influence Australia's political landscape came under fire after media organisations raised concerns journalism could be criminalised.

In amendments released on Tuesday, provisions which threatened journalists and whistleblowers with jail sentences of up to 20 years have been wound back.

Journalists, editors and support staff won't have to demonstrate their reporting was "fair and accurate", as long as they reasonably believe their conduct was in the public interest.

The changes will also narrow the definition of conduct that would cause harm to Australia's interests to protect public servants who leak to journalists.

"There has been no intention to unnecessarily restrict appropriate freedoms of the media," Attorney-General Christian Porter said in a statement.

Offences for non-public servants will only apply to the most dangerous and serious conduct.

Mr Porter said he was hopeful Labor would support the amended bill, which he believes protects Australia while maintaining media freedom.

"There is a strong history of bipartisan support for national security legislation in Australia," he said.

The amendments will be considered by a parliamentary committee, which is scrutinising the bill, before it delivers its report later this month.