‘People need to know’

THE increasing barriers facing journalists fighting to hold authorities to account undermine democracy, a politics expert says.

Government departments are refusing Geelong reporters’ requests for information, or demanding media outlets cough up cash for straightforward data requests.

And sometimes their requests for cash come on top of journalists already being hit with charges to lodge a Freedom of Information request.

As the Geelong Advertiser joins outlets across multiple media organisations in a campaign arguing for your right to know, we can reveal how bureaucrats are making it increasingly difficult for local reporters to access information. Some of the recent examples experienced by Geelong Advertiser journalists include: THE Australian Bureau of Statistics saying it would cost the newspaper almost $600 to obtain figures relating to Avalon Airport international passengers; VICTORIA Police saying it would cost $220 to supply local statistics relating to vehicle impoundments and infringement notices for certain offences; THE CFA claimed it would cost more than $180, to compensate for time spent searching and photocopying, to complete a request relating to callouts to three specific buildings; VICTORIA Police requesting $220 to generate and provide statistics relating to drink and drug driving; and VICTORIA Police knocking back a request to ascertain data on how many guns were registered in the region, citing an exemption in the Freedom of Information act.

Deakin University political expert Geoff Robinson said it was ridiculous government departments were attempting to slug journalists with expensive fees to access information.

“You’d think it would be easier to manage information (given technology advancements),” Dr Robinson said.

He also questioned whether it indicated it could be difficult for decision makers to access information.

Dr Robinson said a culture of secrecy and spin had permeated all levels of government.

“I think it undermines democracy,” he said.

“I think there is a general rise in governments being relentless in delivering a message. People need to know whether government policy is succeeding or failing, how much money is being spent.”

Dr Robinson said a lot more journalists were actually working for government in communications roles, rather than for media outlets performing actual journalism.

Government communications roles — or ‘spin doctor’ jobs — generally offer better remuneration than traditional media gigs.

The national conversation around press freedom has steadily gained momentum since Australian Federal Police triggered outrage by raiding the home of News Corp’s Annika Smethurst and the ABC headquarters in June.

A Senate inquiry into press freedom has since begun.

Read more about the Australia’s Right to Know campaign on pages four and five.