If a politician reveals something under parliamentary privilege that the media has not been allowed to report, can you report it? Legally, we reckon you can report exactly what has been said, but plenty of media outlets were playing it safe in how they reported on Senator Derryn Hinch’s maiden speech, in which he named several sexual offenders. Amusingly, Hinch’s office appears just as cautious.
A PDF transcript of the maiden speech sent from Hinch’s office to reporters Monday night blacks out three of the names mentioned in the Senate — two singled out by Hinch for sexual offences and one who was responsible for suppressing a name. All three names are in Hansard, so it’s not clear why they’ve been redacted in the speech copy sent to journos. — Myriam Robin
So do we have to look forward to more PR political ad space in Crikey?
(ie of his.)
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