Reporters proud to join Right to Know campaign

READERS would by now be aware of the #yourrighttoknow campaign that all Australian media are running.

READERS would by now be aware of the #yourrighttoknow campaign that all Australian media are running.

It is a simple concept and one that is long overdue.

Gradually our freedoms are being eroded by governments of all levels who are restricting reporters and readers' rights to transparent decisions that affect their everyday lives.

The Chronicle newsroom team is proud to add its combined weight to the campaign.

Our reporters are among the thousands who are continually running into roadblocks and obstacles as they try to report important stories that the public has the right to know.

All too often we are stymied by those in power who refuse to allow us to do our job.

Yet, when we are allowed to report on vital issues, we get results.

A classic example is the case recently of young Angus Hopkins who was being carried around his parents' property in a wheelbarrow because the NDIS had failed over many months to provide him with the electric wheelchair to which he was entitled.

Mere days after we reported that issue, he was notified and duly received the long overdue wheelchair.

This is only one example of the importance of our reporters being given access to information.

We are continually seeking right to information documents.

It is a long process but one which is forced on us by a wall of obstruction by the powers-that-be.

Readers have every right to ask what all levels of government are hiding when they impose restrictions on what journalists can report.

Chronicle reporters will never accept efforts by the powerful to hide from scrutiny.

A free press is worth the fight.