Doubling down on Dan's democratic derision
At a time when democratic rights and liberties are being held in disdain by the Victorian Andrews’ Labor Government, it is truly disappointing to see further dismantling of democracy at a local level.
The Ballarat Courier has indicated that it will not be taking any public view submitted to it by way of Letter to the Editor contributions, Opinion or Analysis pieces relating to the Local Government elections.
Liberal Member for Western Victorian, Beverley McArthur, said this is a most unfortunate decision.
“Right at the time when our liberties are already quashed, it is astounding to see views and voices further diminished by this decision,” Mrs McArthur said.
“Council elections – or any election – is about democracy, about the people’s right to discuss, to debate, to know, to understand, to voice an opinion.
“And yet right when that is needed most, an important local institution that espouses to be the people’s voice, has shut down the right to free speech and critical debate at the very moment it should be encouraging more say, not less.”
The Editor’s Note on Saturday said : “After today, these Opinion pages will no longer carry submissions or letters by or about council candidates in accordance with our usual election policies….The Courier will publish a comprehensive form guide to all candidates following the close of nominations.”
Mrs McArthur said the paper is indicating that only it has the ability to provide commentary on candidates during an election and that will be the only voice. One wonders if this is how they intend to operate at State and Federal elections, as well?
She said a current advertising blitz of its own journalists makes something of a mockery of the position the paper has now taken.
“For example, today’s paper contained an advertisement of journalist Rochelle Kirkham quoting her: ‘I became a journalist to share the stories of people who aren’t given the chance to make their voices heard’.
“One way to give people a voice is to literally give them a voice.
“I urge the paper – and any others considering doing likewise – to change their narrow approach to interested discussion and debate and enable democracy to flourish at a time when it is critical in our election process.”
She said the political endorsement of candidates by Labor and the Greens means the election is highly sensitive to broader implications and voters need to be able to voice their concerns and hear opinions from diverse sources.
22 September 2020