Report shows free speech under attack in Australia
The Independent Audit into the State of Free Speech in Australia makes for disturbing reading - charting, as it does,
the gradual and widespread erosion of media freedoms in this country, according to the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance.
Despite Australia's proud international reputation for the strength of its democratic institutions and civil rights
records, our media - a key bastion of democracy in this country - has been increasingly handicapped by a legal and
regulatory framework which hinders the free flow of information, including some 500 pieces of legislation which restrict
the freedom to publish certain information.
Alliance federal secretary, Chris Warren, said the report was the most thorough and comprehensive record of the
difficulties faced by journalists in their everyday efforts to obtain information.
"Through a timely collaboration between this country's biggest media organisations and the Alliance, which represents
Australia's journalists, we have been able to chart ways in which obstructions are put in the way of reporters trying to
bring important facts to light," Warren said.
"The report highlights the misuse of Freedom of Information laws, the hounding of whistleblowers, the scatter gun
application of suppression orders and the increased management of news by the growing cohorts of 'spin doctors' in both
public and private sector.
"We congratulate Irene Moss, AO, and her team of dedicated researchers who have worked hard to bring this important
research project to fulfilment."
Warren said it was imperative that whoever wins power at the forthcoming Federal Election give this report serious
consideration and show strong leadership in addressing the issues it raises, not only through legislation but by a shift
away from the culture of secrecy and news management.
He also urged state governments to examine the more than 220 separate pieces of legislation which include secrecy
clauses and restrict the free flow of information to the public.
"A free press is the keystone of a healthy democracy," Warren said. "It is the most important guarantor of government
and corporate accountability. This report shows the extent to which we have moved away from the ideal democratic model
and illustrates the reasons for this country's distressing slide down the international rankings in terms of free
speech."
The Report of the Independent Audit into the State of Free Speech in Australia can be found at:
http://www.alliance.org.au/documents/071031_right_to_know_report.pdf
The Media Alliance represents more than 10,000 journalists across Australia.
ENDS