The Hawkesbury City Council has prohibited two local news organizations from attending its meetings and accessing its facilities, citing concerns of harassment and defamation directed at its staff.
The Hawkesbury Gazette has denied these accusations, labeling the council’s action as an attempt at media censorship in retaliation for its critical coverage.
In response to the escalating situation, the New South Wales Office of Local Government is conducting an investigation into the matter.
In a notable move, a Sydney council has faced allegations of stifling dissent after it barred two local media outlets from its premises. On April 28, Hawkesbury City Council issued a formal notice prohibiting the Hawkesbury Gazette and Hawkesbury Radio from attending council meetings and entering council property.
The council’s decision is grounded in the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011, which claims that repeated posts on social media and public remarks constitute harassment of council staff.
Sean Carroll from Hawkesbury Radio expressed his disappointment to 702 ABC Sydney, arguing that using health and safety regulations to exclude media from council meetings is a misuse of the law. “They are merely utilizing it as a political strategy to silence criticism related to their mismanagement,” he remarked.
Some councillors have accused the Gazette, a long-established local publication, of abandoning professional journalistic standards. Deputy Mayor Sarah McMahon claimed that the Gazette has been taken over by community members who exploit its reputation to incite public anger and advance their own agenda.
“There seems to be a vendetta against the council and its staff,” stated Cr McMahon, who is affiliated with the Liberal party. “If you wish to be recognized as media, it is vital to maintain impartiality, accuracy, and factual reporting. Their articles lack these qualities, and we have voiced our concerns repeatedly. It amounts to inciting rage.”
Founded in 1888 and previously owned by Australian Community Media, the Gazette was sold in 2023 and is now managed by former TAFE educator Kooryn Sheaves, featuring contributions from various community members. Recently, the publication has published critical articles regarding council decisions, including the resignation of general manager Elizabeth Richardson, which occurred during a closed session, and a contentious proposal to increase rates by 39% over four years, as well as a substantial $40 million upgrade to the Richmond Swimming Centre.
Councillors, including Labor’s Amanda Kotlash and Greens’ Danielle Wheeler, have argued that the media ban does not constitute censorship since council meetings are available for public viewing online.
Cr Kotlash further criticized the Gazette, alleging that the outlet employs artificial intelligence for content creation, a claim the Gazette disputes. “They do not represent the press,” she asserted.
Independent councillor Nathan Zamprogno expressed his belief that excluding the media from meetings is not an appropriate response to unfavorable coverage. “This is not how we operate in Australia,” he stated. “We are not like Hungary under Viktor Orban or Russia under Vladimir Putin, nor, sadly, are we increasingly like Trump’s America. When there is a disagreement with their reporting, we should engage with them rather than resort to bans.”
Fiona Germaine, a contributor to the Gazette, conveyed to 702 ABC Sydney that the council’s actions are a direct reaction to heightened community scrutiny. “Inquiries about specific articles or contributors do not address the core issue, which is the council’s choice to exclude media and the public from meetings,” she remarked.
Ms. Germaine mentioned that the Gazette had sought clarification from the council regarding the alleged instances of harassment and defamation, stating, “There is a lack of detail regarding these incidents, and no investigation has been outlined.”
The council’s correspondence also referenced unspecified “defamatory claims regarding staff” and alleged attempts to sway council operations as justifications for the media ban. The letter, signed by Mayor Les Sheather and acting general manager Will Barton, stated, “We have determined that your presence at council meetings or premises poses an unacceptable risk to councillors and staff.” It warned that any future attempts to attend meetings would be regarded as trespassing, with the possibility of involving law enforcement or pursuing legal action.
The Local Government Act 1993 mandates that all council meetings remain open to the public. Mr. Barton, speaking to 702 ABC Sydney, asserted that the council is obligated under the Work Health and Safety Act to address what he describes as a “psychosocial” risk posed by the media outlets to council personnel. “The dissemination of misinformation and disinformation is an issue, but the primary concern is the bullying and harassment of our staff,” he stated. “It has become evident that having individuals from these organizations in the chamber poses a risk of psychological harm. Once that risk is identified, the council is duty-bound to take reasonable measures.”
Mr. Barton emphasized that he would not allow concerns over the perception of silencing dissent to prevent him from ensuring a safe work environment for his staff. “Any member of the public can log in and observe the council meetings, so access is still available,” he noted.
ABC News sought comments from Mayor Les Sheather but was redirected to the council’s general media contact line.
In light of the situation, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has requested that the NSW Office of Local Government examine the conflict. “The media serves a crucial role in reporting council decisions and holding institutions accountable,” Mr. Hoenig stated. “Excluding media representatives from council meetings is a serious measure that necessitates a robust justification.”
