This week we dive into Labor’s assault on transparency with their FOI amendment bill a so-called “reform” that actually makes it harder for Australians to access public information. While Albo once promised openness, his government is now moving in the opposite direction.
We also look at the Gold Coast’s anti-Semitism summit, where councils were fed a new “hate symbols” guide that could see watermelon earrings or a Free Palestine T-shirt reported to police. Meanwhile, the property lobby rolled out its usual line blaming “supply” for skyrocketing prices, while ignoring negative gearing and tax perks.
And who takes home Scam of the Week? Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, for defending FOI restrictions with the bizarre claim that criminals and foreign actors are just itching to file freedom of information requests. #scamoftheweek #auspol
All this and more, on The West Report.
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00:00: Rex Patrick vs FOI “Reform”
02:00: Labor’s Transparency Crackdown
04:20: Gold Coast Anti-Semitism Summit
06:30: Property Lobby Blame Game
08:50: SOTW Winner
Michael West established Michael West Media in 2016 to focus on journalism of high public interest, particularly the rising power of corporations over democracy. West was formerly a journalist and editor with Fairfax newspapers, a columnist for News Corp and even, once, a stockbroker.
