Newspaper election-day coverage ban is shameful, says Senator Derryn Hinch

The Mercury’sdramatic front page stance against the Tasmanian electoral law banning newspapers — and newspapers only — from publishing any story about an issue or candidate on polling day has won support across the nation.

The Mercury’sdramatic front page stance against the Tasmanian electoral law banning newspapers — and newspapers only — from publishing any story about an issue or candidate on polling day has won support across the nation.

The ban, spelled out in section 198 of the Electoral Act, means newspaper editors face three months jail and a fine of $15,900 for a breach. It does not apply elsewhere in Australia.

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It’s hard to believe that in 2018 Tasmania enforces a law banning newspapers from publishing election news on polling day. Powerful Hobart Mercury front page today protests this denial of the public’s right to know. https://t.co/5sohaLX4iW #auspol pic.twitter.com/VXqDnfcueb

— Michael Miller (@mm_newscorpaus) March 2, 2018

Independent senator and former radio host Derryn Hinch took to Twitter to label the ban “neanderthal”.

“Having campaigned successfully to end the electronic media blackout at election time in the 1980s, I’m stunned that an archaic, undemocratic media ban blocks the Hobart Mercury from publishing political news today,” Senator Hinch posted on Twitter.

Having campaigned successfully to end the electronic media blackout at election time in the 1980s, I’m stunned that an archaic, undemocratic, media ban blocks the Hobart Mercury from publishing political news today.

— Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) March 2, 2018

Respected Sky News political editor David Speers said on Twitter it was “unbelievable the local Tas papers aren’t allowed to do their job on election day”.

National Press Club of Australia president and ABC Radio’s AM host Sabra Lane posted that it was “quite the front page”.

Unbelievable the local Tas papers aren’t allowed to do their job on Election Day. Great front page @themercurycomau https://t.co/K2NbynSCFE

— David Speers (@David_Speers) March 2, 2018

Quite the front page. And parties not allowed to hand out How To Vote cards or have posters near polling stations. pic.twitter.com/PqQ62EmWl3

— Sabra Lane (@SabraLane) March 3, 2018

On Thursday, both sides of politics promised to review the outdated provisions after the election.

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