November 10, 2012

Freedom From Information ... LNP Media management

The LNP Government contributes items to a media statements page http://statements.qld.gov.au/ 
Mostly trivia and mostly ignored as newsworthy. 
Material leaked to the important journalists is not featured. 
Some Ministers ignore the opportunity to put information on the public record. 
A popular strategy is for spin doctors to prepare a "fill in the blank" story. 
It's an announcement that can be applied to dozens of communities, fill in the name of a  town, Mayor, local member, local identity. 
Local media is excited when their town gets a mention and the government 'information' site is filled with clutter and hundreds of faxes go straight to the bin.
7 releases announcing "Royalties for Regions" funding ...
14 releases announcing $4000 to clean up grafitti ...
Often it is freedom from information. 
Real stories are hidden or leaked selectively to favourite journos.

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