Bail ban debate welcome

COMMENTS from two of the state’s most senior Liberals that the State Government would consider lifting the blanket ban on reporting bail hearings in Tasmanian courts have been welcomed by the journalists’ union.

Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance Victoria and Tasmania director Adam Portelli said the debate was timely as media companies around Australia united to fight for press freedom and the public’s right to know what’s going on.

“The MEAA welcomes reports that the Tasmanian Government is considering lifting Tasmania’s reporting ban on bail hearings,” Mr Portelli said yesterday.

“Governments need to walk the talk when it comes to press freedom. Too often they say the right things but don’t follow through with actions. This campaign isn’t about journalists, it’s about the sort of democracy we want to live in, one where the public is informed rather than kept in the dark over matters of public interest.”

On Sunday, Attorney-General Elise Archer said she would consider lifting the blanket ban on reporting bail hearings as part of a broader reform of bail laws in Tasmania.

On Monday when asked his view of the bail hearing reporting ban, Premier Will Hodgman said his government strongly supported press freedom. He also said important balances needed to be taken into account, including those relating to court proceedings.

In other states where bail hearings can be reported, judges and magistrates make orders to prevent the publication of certain material.

The Your Right to Know campaign was launched nationally on Monday.