Freedom of the press and Australian democracy

Freedom of the press is one of the foundational principles of a democratic society. It refers to the ability of journalists and media organisations to investigate, report, publish, question those in positions of authority, and express opinions without intimidation, censorship, retaliation, or undue interference. Yet press freedom is not primarily a privilege exclusive to journalists. …

Why press freedom matters more than ever

Recent events at the National Press Club have prompted renewed reflection on freedom of the press, one of the foundations of democratic society. The immediate catalyst was an exchange between One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Guardian Australia journalist Sarah Martin. During questioning following Hansonโ€™s National Press Club address, Martin asked about the employment of Hansonโ€™s daughter …

Interview with Steve Cooper

Transcript of an interview I recorded with Steve Cooper in December 1997: Steve Cooper leaves Queensland this month for the cool tranquility of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. Rod Benson caught up with him as he prepared to depart after six years in the provincial city of Ipswich (in Queensland, Australia). RB: Steve, …

Statement on Aboriginal reconciliation

The following statement was adopted by resolution of delegates to the Queensland Baptist Convention Annual Assembly on Thursday 11 September 1997. The statement was moved by the General Superintendent of the Baptist Union of Queensland Rev. Dr Stan Solomon and seconded by Senior Pastor Rod Benson of Flinders Baptist Community Church in Ipswich, Queensland. It …

Racism and reconciliation

NOTE: I preached this sermon at the Murri Evangelical Church (a Baptist church) in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia, on the first anniversary of the 1996 Australian federal election which swept Pauline Hanson onto the national political stage. Ms Hansonโ€™s seat of Oxley, since renamed Blair following electoral boundary changes in 1998, included most of the city …