The government now has a comprehensive blueprint on how to become more open and transparent on all levels, including national security. It’s time to walk the talk — but I’m not holding my breath.
No matter what tactics are used to muzzle, restrict, limit, or censor information, trustworthy information that serves the public good can still find its way to those who matter most: the citizens.
With the demise of Pierre Nkurunziza, all eyes are on Burundi’s new president as he inherits a political framework that has repressed press freedom and silenced independent media voices.
The High Court handed down a mixed decision on the AFP raid on a News Corp journalist, highlighting just how fragile media freedom in Australia really is.
Even if the government was willing to bend on media freedom, the mindset within the public service remains fixed on secrecy and the control of information.
Western aid has resulted in an Anglo-American culture of journalism education which has proved impractical to implement in African countries with illiberal political regimes.
While Scott Morrison and other Liberals have been very concerned about protecting religious freedom, this week’s raids have brought unwelcome questions about media freedom.
The ABC chairman’s resignation provides some resolution to the crisis, but a discussion is sorely needed about other threats to the broadcaster’s independence.