Media release 13 October 2008

Union rejects call for new police power to silence investigative reporting

An inquest finding that WA police should get new powers to silence investigative reporting is an affront to free speech and the public right to know, the media union said today.

“Police are already in serious trouble over the wrongful jailing of Andrew Mallard for 12 years, now authorities want greater secrecy − it’s absurd,” the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance said.

Senior police had every opportunity to ask ABC reporter Sue Short not to name Simon Rochford as a suspect in the murder of Mosman Park jeweller Pamela Lawrence, for which Mallard was wrongfully jailed, Alliance WA Branch Secretary Michael Sinclair-Jones said.

They also had the opportunity to warn prison authorities that Mr Rochford would be named before he committed suicide in his cell soon after.

“Had police taken either step, Mr Rochford might still be alive,” Sinclair-Jones said.

“Giving police extra powers of secrecy is not the answer.

“We’ve seen journalists − including Ms Short − hauled before secret tribunals and threatened with jail if they don’t disclose confidential sources, an armed police raid on the Sunday Times over an alleged government leak and now this.

“WA is in danger of becoming a police state where the public right to know is treated as a crime.

“The new WA Government was elected on a platform of openness and accountability.

“Premier Colin Barnett has a moral obligation to publicly reject the inquest recommendation.”