This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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If the legislation passes the Parliament this week, the new controversial media laws will be challenged at court. News Limited CEO Kim Williams alleges that an introduction of a Public Interest Media Advocate would be alert the High Court.
“We are confident this approach in creating the Public Interest Media Advocate and the powers that are rendered unto it and the sanctions that are rendered unto it go against the free flow of political communication in our society. In the event that these laws are passed we would be immediately seeking leave to appeal to the High Court,” said Mr. Williams.
Mr Williams has shown discontent over the media reforms and called them completely unconstitutional. He appeared before the parliamentary committee into Communication Minister Stephen Conroy’s reforms and insisted the officials to reconsider the dangerous policy.
“These bills breach constitutional rights, equate to direct government intervention and regulation of the media and are a direct attack on free speech, innovation, investment and job creation,” Mr Williams said.
“What is of particular concern, and contradicts the government’s own Convergence Review, is that it is now incumbent on the applicant to satisfy the PIMA that there isn’t a lessening of diversity. This deliberate reversal of onus of proof is unworkable and the Convergence Review explicitly recommended against it,” he added.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has shown some flexibility and said that the government will consider sensible changes to its proposed media laws.
“We’ve got the Parliament committee process in train now and we will see what immediately arises from the parliamentary committees. (But) our intention remains to pursue the legislation that is before the Parliament now,” she said.
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