News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst has described the “confronting” moment the federal police came knocking.

The Australian Federal Police raided her home on Tuesday over a story about a secret government plan to spy on Australians.

On Wednesday the ABC Sydney offices were raided by the AFP, sparking concerns over press freedom.

News Corp political journalist Annika Smethurst tells Ben Fordham the experience was very “confronting” and “intimidating”.

“You don’t realise how much you value privacy until you’re in that position.

“The more I think about it the worse it gets. A few tears have been shed over the last few days.”

But after the whole ordeal, she still stands by her story and her source.

“It’s a bit hard to believe that they’re saying now that it’s a huge national security issue when it’s taken 14 months for them to knock on my door.

“It was true and I completely stand by it. It was an important story to tell and I’m glad I did.”

Click PLAY to hear the full interview