smh.com.au
WA Independent Targets Media's Gas Links
In Western Australia, independent candidate Kate Hulett is campaigning against Seven West Media's gas industry ties, proposing legislation to prevent gas companies from owning media and launching inquiries into government dealings with gas exporters, fueled by a $50,000 Climate 200 donation.
- What specific actions is Kate Hulett proposing to address concerns about the gas industry's influence on Western Australian media and government?
- Kate Hulett, an independent candidate running for the Fremantle state seat in Western Australia, has publicly criticized Seven West Media's shareholder ties to the gas industry. She plans to introduce legislation preventing gas companies from owning media outlets, citing concerns about transparency and integrity in government dealings. This follows a donation of $50,000 from Climate 200 to support her campaign.
- How do Seven West Media's shareholder links to the gas industry, as highlighted by Hulett, potentially influence government decisions in Western Australia?
- Hulett's campaign highlights growing concerns in Fremantle about climate change and emissions from the state's gas industry. Her criticism of Seven West Media's gas industry connections, particularly its shareholder, Seven Group Holdings' involvement in gas projects, alleges a conflict of interest that influences government decisions. She aims to investigate WA Labor's dealings with gas companies and the recent approval of onshore gas exports.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of Hulett's proposed legislation, both for media ownership and the relationship between government and the gas industry in Western Australia?
- Hulett's actions signal a rising tide of climate activism influencing state-level politics in Australia. Her proposed legislation, if successful, could set a precedent for regulating media ownership to mitigate industry influence on government policy. The Fremantle election, though historically a safe Labor seat, presents a potential challenge to the incumbent given increasing public concern over climate change.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and initial paragraphs emphasize Hulett's accusations and her campaign against the gas industry's media influence. This framing potentially sways the reader towards viewing Hulett's claims favorably before presenting counterarguments or alternative perspectives. The inclusion of Hulett's statement ("This surely doesn't pass the pub test") adds a colloquial and somewhat biased element to the presentation of her argument.
Language Bias
The article uses relatively neutral language but employs phrases like "taken a potshot" which might be viewed as slightly loaded and could be replaced with a more neutral expression such as "criticized". The quote "This surely doesn't pass the pub test" is informal and suggestive of a clear bias towards Hulett's view, lacking neutral alternative.
Bias by Omission
The article omits Seven West Media's response to Hulett's accusations. While it mentions that "Seven West Media has been contacted for comment," the absence of their response prevents a complete picture of the situation. This omission could leave the reader with a one-sided perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic eitheor framing by portraying the situation as either supporting Hulett's position or implicitly supporting the gas industry and Seven West Media. Nuances and alternative perspectives on the issue are limited.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights concerns about the gas industry's influence on media and government decisions in Western Australia. Kate Hulett, an independent candidate, proposes legislation to prevent gas industry ownership of media outlets, citing this as a factor hindering effective climate action and prioritizing industry profits over the interests of citizens. Her campaign reflects growing public concern about climate change and emissions from the gas industry, and her proposed actions directly address reducing the industry's power and promoting more responsible environmental policies.