Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that independent journalism and a diverse media landscape play a vital role in informing public debate and maintaining a strong democracy;

(b) recognises the right of journalists to take industrial action; and

(c) supports Fairfax staff taking industrial action in response to another round of cuts to newsroom jobs.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government does not support this motion. The government encourages Fairfax staff and management to use lawful means to resolve the dispute. It does not support the taking of illegal industrial action. Furthermore, the best way to ensure the future of journalism is to support the government's media reform package that will strengthen Australia's media industry and enable it to survive and prosper.

Question agreed to.