And even more specific to this incident with Annika Smethurst’s report, the Covenant says “The free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens, candidates and elected representatives is essential. This implies a free press and other media able to comment on public issues and to inform public opinion without censorship or restraint.” This paragraph goes deeper into the issue and describes exactly what the government is *not* allowing in terms of communication: “a free press”… “to inform public opinion *without* censorship or restraint”. I think it’s quite clear at this point that the recent incident was definitely a violation of these rights, and I think that’s a shameful action for the Federal Police and for the Australian Government.
-After these events, Scott Morrison said he was “not troubled” by the raids, but “believed in the freedom of the press”. How can anyone who believes in media freedom be *not troubled* by this? It’s a hideous deception, and I encourage everyone, regardless of their background, to carefully and objectively observe the way that this cowardly attitude towards the media is sneaking up on us as a society, and consider the importance of media independence for a sound and productive society. Thank you.
+After these events, Scott Morrison said he was “not troubled” by the raids, but “believed in the freedom of the press”. How can anyone who believes in media freedom be *not troubled* by this? It’s a hideous deception, and I encourage everyone, regardless of their background, to carefully and objectively observe the way that this cowardly attitude towards the media is sneaking up on us as a society, and consider the importance of media independence for a sound and productive society. I'd like to leave you with a quote from Julian Assange. He says "Journalism should be more like science. As far as possible, facts should be verifiable. If journalists want long-term credibility for their profession, they have to go in that direction. Have more respect for readers." Thank you.