THE QUESTIONS WA POLICE WOULDN'T ANSWER

If a major Australian newsroom asks WA Police for information about a matter affecting the public, there are established channels to obtain comment and clarification.

If an independent local journalist asks the same questions, the door can be much harder to open.

WA in Focus recently sought information from WA Police about a matter of clear public interest. Instead of answers, we were advised WA Police engage with "accredited journalists" representing "recognised media" organisations.

WHY THIS MATTERS

We believe public interest information should not become more accessible because the person asking for it works for a major media company.

Independent journalists often report on the issues closest to their communities. We hear directly from parents, residents, victims and families. We ask questions that may never reach the desks of larger newsrooms.

Yet the current approach risks creating two levels of media access:

• •One for established media organisations.
• •Another for everyone else.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR

We want a fair opportunity to seek answers to legitimate questions on behalf of the public.

Standards should be applied fairly and transparently, not determined by the size of the masthead behind the journalist.

Public interest information belongs in public conversation and independent media should not have to become corporate media before its questions are taken seriously.