Australian Media Sucks the Fun out of Media

Abstract

<p>The Australian media landscape is populated with, among others, journalists and comedians. While the island nation has a democratic political structure, there are no constitutional guarantees to freedom of speech and no bill of rights on the horizon.</p><p> What happens when media activity collides with the law? This paper argues that Australia's media laws have a chilling effect on freedom of speech. Comedians and journalists, at the lower end of aggravation, are served with cease and desist notices and, at the other extreme, dragged out of their home by counter-terrorism police. Media actors have been charged with defamation; stalking; their homes raided by federal police; and, posting online gagged. As a result, some news organisations closed their Australian Facebook presence; others, closed comments sections. This presentation explores the boundaries and restrictions on freedom of speech, and the impact on the Australian media's ability to perform the role of an effective fourth estate, essential force and check on our democracy.</p>