Arabic version: مجلس هاوكسبري يمنع وسائل الإعلام المحلية من الاجتماعات، ويزعم الرقابة
Hawkesbury City Council has barred two local media outlets from attending meetings and premises, citing behaviour amounting to harassment and defamation of staff. The decision has sparked accusations of censorship from the affected outlets, particularly the Hawkesbury Gazette, which argues that the ban is a response to its critical reporting. According to ABC News, the council issued a written notice on April 28 banning the Gazette and Hawkesbury Radio from meetings and premises under the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Sean Carroll from Hawkesbury Radio expressed disappointment over the use of workplace safety laws to exclude media, suggesting that the council is attempting to silence criticism. Some councillors have accused the Gazette of no longer functioning as a professional media outlet, with Deputy Mayor Sarah McMahon claiming it engages in “rage baiting” the community.
The Hawkesbury Gazette, founded in 1888, has recently published articles critical of the council, including coverage of a significant rate increase proposal and the resignation of general manager Elizabeth Richardson. Councillors, including Labor and Greens members, argue that the media ban is justified as council meetings are streamed online, thus maintaining public access.
Councillor Nathan Zamprogno voiced concerns that excluding media is not an appropriate response to differing opinions, while local media contributors argue the council’s actions reflect a reaction to increased public scrutiny. The council’s letter to the media outlets outlines unspecified defamatory claims and asserts a need to protect staff from perceived risks.
Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has requested an investigation by the NSW Office of Local Government into the situation, emphasizing the importance of media in holding councils accountable. Both the Office of Local Government and SafeWork NSW have confirmed they are looking into the matter, with a spokesperson stating that psychosocial risks must be managed like any other workplace safety issues.
