MP’S push to support rural “local rags”
RURAL NSW communities are being short changed when it comes to accessible regional news.
After the harsh effects of Covid-19 and drought, the “local rag” or small radio station have been among the hardest hit as local businesses struggle to stay afloat during tough economic times, lockdowns and restrictions.
Member for Barwon Roy Butler has taken up the fight for a better state government communications strategy in remote towns and cities.
In a speech to parliament last month, Mr Butler implored his colleagues to turn their focus on improving regional press.
“The ‘local rag’ or the small radio station is still how many people get information,” he said.
“They have been impacted severely with reduced business advertising throughout the drought and Covid.
“Regional papers, radio and TV should not be expected to run government ads for free.
“The government should send some of the $1.4b it mostly gives to metro outlets to those out west. More will be heard about that later in the year.”
Mr Butler shared his concerns about the government’s ‘uneven record’ for community engagement and said more must be done to engage with regional communities
in a ‘respectful, meaningful, open and transparent manner’.
“(This will) get policy settings right, and ensure that communities’ views are being fairly represented in government decisions,” he said.
“(The people of Barwon) often don’t feel like they’re being adequately consulted, decisions made don’t seem to include proper consultation with regional communities.
“In some cases, Government has tried not to consult with regional communities.
“The government needs to make more of an effort to get out amongst the community and to listen to what they have to say before making decisions that affect the people in the electorate.
“Government needs to create, and stick to minimum standards for consultation. This way it will be clear what communities can expect, and also sets an accountable measure for me and other MPS to hold Government to account with.”
Mr Butler said the government had stopped advertising water access notices in local papers, stripping country newspapers of advertising dollars.
“We’re keen to see some of the government’s money return to regional newspapers,” he said.
“I will be bringing legislation to address this issue in 2022.”