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ABCC Stoops To “Bullying Tactics” Against Journalists |
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Friday, 27 February 2009 |
 The ABCC has turned its coercive powers onto journalists, issuing subpoenas to two publications in an attempt to force journalists to give up notes for their stories on the Westgate Bridge demarcation dispute.
According to the building industry watchdog’s annual report, the ABCC substantially increased its use of its compulsory examination power in 2007-08, almost tripling the number of notices to attend and answer questions. The organisation conducted 54 interviews following the issue of notices in 2007-08 (46 of them in Victoria) compared to 20 in 2006-07.
But this appears to be the first time media organisations or journalists have been subpoenaed.
The use of coercive powers to force journalists to give up their notes is an unacceptable attack on press freedom, Alliance federal secretary Christopher Warren said.
“We have already seen tribunals such as the Crime and Misconduct Commission in Queensland and the Crime and Corruption Commission in West Australia use these sorts of bullying tactics against journalists whose key ethical responsibility is to protect their confidential sources.
“Now the ABCC is getting in on the act, signalling that it will abuse its powers to intimidate journalists and their sources.”
The Alliance understands that notes taken for an article in Workplace Express on February 10 largely mirrored the article itself and did not contain any off-the-record material. Editor, David Vincent, has confirmed that they have, under protest, sent in the notes as they do not put any confidential information at risk.
“Whether the notes contain off-the-record material or not, this is a sorry precedent which must be protested,” Mr Warren said. “The very fact they are stooping to bullying tactics against journalists will intimidate and deter people from talking to the press.
“By their actions, the ABCC have launched a direct attack on press freedom in this country. It’s time the extraordinary powers of these modern-day Star Chambers were given a serious examination. By attacking press freedom they are attacking the oxygen of democracy in this country.” |
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2008-09 Annual Report |
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